Tips to Control Blood Sugar

Posted: Nov. 1, 2004

Everyone with diabetes shares a common goal — to gain control of their blood sugar. There is no single, clear, and simple path to follow. People with diabetes should work with a health care provider to find the individual treatment program that works best for them.

The good news is that people with diabetes can reach their blood sugar goals.

To start

• Test your blood sugar. Ask your health care provider when and how often.
• Keep a record of your blood tests, medicines, and daily events. Review the record with your health care provider.
• Take your diabetes medicine as prescribed. Your medicine plan should make you feel better and fit your lifestyle.
• Eat foods that are low in fat, salt, and sugar and high in fiber to control your blood sugar. Eat about the same number of calories each day, choose a variety of foods, and never skip meals. See a dietitian to create a meal plan that is right for you.
• Get physical activity. Check with your health care provider before you begin an exercise program. If you haven’t been active, start slowly. Good activities are walking and swimming.
• Check your feet for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling that can result from diabetes-related nerve damage. Call your health care provider right away about any sores that won’t heal. If you prevent problems such as foot ulcers, you can greatly reduce your risk of amputation.

Tips to keep in mind

• Stay at a weight that is right for you. Ask your health care provider what you should weigh. Be more active and eat foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, grains and cereals, low-fat dairy foods, and lean meats, chicken, and fish.
• Treat low blood sugar quickly with special tablets or gel made of glucose.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking damages your heart and circulatory system, which can lead to heart disease and poor circulation for people with diabetes. Talk to your health care provider about ways to quit.
• Manage stress. Talk with a trusted friend, take up a hobby, make time for physical activity, and take one day at a time. Talk to your health care provider about how to handle stress.
• Learn more about diabetes and diabetes self-care. Ask your health care provider to suggest a dietitian and a diabetes educator to help you manage your diabetes.
• Seek support from family and friends or join a diabetes support group to help you gain control. Call your local hospital or health department to find a support group.

Set goals you can reach

• Break a big goal into small steps. If you plan to increase your physical activity, start by taking one 5-minute walk three times a week. Then try walking longer or more often.
• Make changes that you can stick with for the rest of your life. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, be active and limit portion sizes. Don’t just go on a “diet.”

Create a plan to deal with diabetes

• Think about all your reasons for keeping your blood sugar under control. Make a list and post it where you see it often.
• Figure out what can tempt you to slip up when it comes to blood sugar control. Typical reasons for slipping up include working under stress, feeling blue, dealing with family pressures, dining out and traveling away from home. Decide now how you will handle these events next time.
• Reward yourself for staying in control. Rent a movie, buy a plant, or spend time with a friend.
• Put a positive spin on your diabetes care. Think of your self-care plan as a good guide for anyone who wants to be healthy and fit.
• Make time to relax. Take a few deep breaths to help ease tension and stress. Set aside a few minutes each day to close your eyes and relax all your muscles.
• Ask for a little help from friends and family when you’re down or need someone to talk to. Make it a habit to call someone to “check in” and report on your progress.
• Manage setbacks. Admit that you’ve slipped. Learn what you can from it. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Health care reminders

• Write down your questions and take them with you to each doctor visit.
• Ask for a hemoglobin A1c test at least twice a year if your blood sugar is normal or close to normal and stable. If your blood sugar levels are too high or too low, work with your health care provider to change your treatment plan and reach your target level of control. The hemoglobin A1c goal for people with diabetes is less than 7 percent.
• Ask for regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and other blood fat tests. Getting these tests can help your health care provider diagnose and treat problems early and refer you to a specialist if needed.
• At least once a year, have a dilated eye exam to check for eye disease, a foot exam to check circulation and nerves, and a urine test to check kidney function.
• See your dentist at least twice a year. Tell your dentist you have diabetes. Getting regular dental check-ups is the best way to prevent gum and teeth problems when you have diabets.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

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