Diabetes results from high glucose levels -- the amount of sugar in your blood. Rather than being transported to your cells where it is used for energy, glucose remains in your bloodstream, placing you at risk for liver and kidney damage, heart disease and glaucoma or cataracts. You can prevent these complications and live a healthy life by taking your disease seriously, committing yourself to your care plan and following the orders of your doctor and dietitian.
Step 1
Test your glucose levels as your doctor prescribes. Self-testing on a daily basis is one of the most important tools you have to control your glucose levels. It allows you recognize any fluctuations in your levels that might require your doctor's attention, thus preventing any health complications.
Step 2
Record your test results. Write your test results in a log or journal each time you test. Include the time you test, the time you eat, the time you took your medication, the time you exercised and any stress you might be experiencing. The variables can affect your test results. Show this log to your doctor. Any abnormalities may require a change in your medication or diet.
Step 3
Take your medication as your doctor prescribes. You might take insulin, oral medications or both to control your glucose levels. However, if you do not take them at the right times -- one hour before a meal, two hours after a meal or one hour before bedtime -- this can cause your glucose levels to increase rapidly, placing you at risk for complications. Your doctor will determine what times better suit your personal needs.
Step 4
Exercise regularly. Exercise lowers your glucose levels by transporting the sugar to your cells, allowing your body to use it for energy. Thirty minutes a day of walking, riding a bike or swimming are acceptable; however, always receive your doctor's approval first. He may want you to test your glucose levels both before and after to ensure your levels remain within a healthy range.
Step 5
Eat healthy foods. No specific diet exists for diabetes; a dietitian devises an eating plan specific to your personal situation. The Mayo Clinic states, however, that these eating plans consist of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and are low in fat and calories. Adhering to the plan set forth for you helps regulate your glucose levels, preventing complications both in the present and future.
Tips and Warnings
- Before self-tesing, ask your doctor what your target glucose levels are and what times you need to test. The target range for each person will vary.
- Your doctor may require you to perform a glucose test prior to exercising. If your levels are greater than 250 mg/dL, you will need to check for ketones in your urine. If the ketone level is high, you cannot exercise, as a high ketone level indicates there is not enough insulin in your body to burn sugar for energy. Exercising when ketones are high can result in ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
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