Diabetes

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Diabetes Recipes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease process that causes your blood sugar to be too high. There are two types:

Type 1: The body does not make any insulin.

Type 2: The body does not use insulin well.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Some people do not have any symptoms. Others may have:

  • increased hunger

  • poor appetite

  • increased thirst

  • the urge/need to pee more often

  • eyesight changes

  • feeling tired

  • fruity or sweet-smelling breath

  • abdominal pain

  • nausea or vomiting

How is Diabetes Diagnosed?

A lab test called hemoglobin A1C.

Normal A1C = 4 - 5.6%

Prediabetic A1C = 5.7 - 6.4%

Diabetic A1C = 6.5% or higher

Medications and Insulin

It is important to:

  • Take medications at the same time everyday

  • Never skip medications or insulin because you, “feel okay”

  • Never skip insulin unless your doctor tells you to

Keep insulin and other injectables in the refrige

Sick Day Routine

Blood sugar can still go up even if you are not eating. Talk with your doctor and develop a sick day routine or plan to control your blood sugar. Call your doctor if you are:

  • throwing up

  • cannot eat or drink anything

remaining above 300

Doctor Visits

Diabetics should have regular checkups to ensure their treatment plan is working. You should also call MD if you have:

  • foot wounds

  • feel weak or confused

run out of medications

Foot Care

Diabetics can lose sensation in their feet. This increases the risk of injuring them. Check your feet daily and take protective measures with proper footwear and care.

Stay Active

Moving your body helps lower blood sugar. Having a daily movement routine can improve sugar management. Be sure to monitor your blood sugar before and during exercise and have snacks available if your blood sugar gets too low.

Healthy Eating

Understanding how different foods affect your blood sugar is very important. Keeping a food journal along with your blood sugar log can provide helpful insight to you and your doctor. Some general rules to follow include:

  • Do not skip meals

  • Eat meals at the same time every day

  • Drink water throughout the day

  • Familiarize yourself with food labels (serving size, calories, carbohydrates, fats, and sugar)

    Diabetes Risk Factors

  • family history

  • being over 45 years old

  • overweight

  • lack of exercise

  • insulin resistance

  • prediabetes

  • gestational diabetes

  • PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome) – formerly PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)

    Why Control High Blood Sugar

Untreated high blood sugar can cause:

  • heart disease

  • stroke

  • kidney failure

  • vision loss

  • nerve damage

  • feet problems

amputations

Checking Blood Sugar

Blood sugar can be checked at home using a machine called a glucometer and performing a finger stick. Healthy Diabetic Blood Sugar Readings:

Before Meals = 80 - 130

After Meals = less than 180

Call the doctor if your blood sugar is below 70 or stays above 250.

How to Check Blood Sugar

  1. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

  2. Follow glucometer instructions for inserting the test strip.

  3. Use a lancet to prick the side of the finger. Avoid the tip and rotate fingers each check.

  4. Gently squeeze the finger until a drop of blood appears and wipe away the first drop with a clean paper towel or gauze. Gently squeeze another drop.

  5. Follow the glucometer instructions on how to apply blood onto the test strip.

Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar is less than 70. This should be treated right away following the 15:15 rule = 15 grams of fasting carbs, wait 15 minutes. Repeat 15:15 rule up to 3 times to increase sugar above 70 or seek help.

15g of carbs may be:

  • 1 slice of bread

  • 6 saltine crackers

  • 4oz (120mL) fruit juice

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 4 glucose tablets.

Once back to normal, eat a snack or meal within 1 hour.