Diabetes: Things You Need to Know

1. It is a serious disease that causes your blood sugar to go too high. Type 2
diabetes is more common in adults.
2. High blood sugar can cause blindness, kidney failure, leg amputations, heart
attacks, strokes, and sexual problems. You can learn to lower these risks.
3. Blood Sugar over 200 is too high – it can make you feel tired and thirsty,
urinate more, and give you blurry vision and yeast infections.
4. Blood Sugar under 70 is too low. Some medicines for diabetes, like
Glibenclamide and insulin, can make your sugar go too low – you may feel
shaky, sweaty, weak, and confused.
5. Treat low blood sugar right away – with ½ glass of juice, regular soda, or
eating 5 hard sugar candies – then eat a healthy snack. Get help if you can’t
swallow and rub some honey on your gums.
6. The A1c test is important. It shows how your diabetes control has been over
the last 3 months. It is healthy when it is about 7. Above 9 is too high—
harmful!
7. Eat healthy – Drink less of (or no) sugary beverages, like fruit juice, soda,
Gatorade, energy drinks. Learn to eat reasonable portions with the plate
method.
8. Exercise almost every day for 30 minutes. Being active improves your health.
9. Take your medications as prescribed but tell your doctor if they make you
feel bad. Take them even when you feel well so you can stay well.
10. Blood pressure of 140/90 is too high. This can cause heart attacks,
strokes, and kidney failure over time. If you have high blood pressure, take
your medicines and eat less salt.
11. Prevent leg amputations by always wearing shoes and checking your feet
every day for redness and sores. Show your doctor your feet at each visit.
12. When you are sick, you should still take your medications, drink plenty of
water and non-sugary liquids, and contact your doctor if you feel bad. If you
have chest pain for more than 15 minutes – go to the hospital.
13. No smoking – smoking causes cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and lung
disease. Quit smoking cigarettes.
14. Limit Alcohol to a maximum of 1 drink daily for women and 2 for men
15. Lower Your Cholesterol. If it is too high, it can cause heart attacks or
strokes. If the doctor gives you pills for cholesterol, take them every evening
16. Go to your doctor appointments always – even when you feel well.