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Diabetes
Education on type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Includes info on juvenile diabetes and prediabetes. Discusses symptoms and treatment. Also looks at how to manage blood sugar levels, diet, and medicines, including insulin.
Type 1 Diabetes
Covers type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. Describes how pancreas regulates blood sugar (glucose) levels. Includes info on hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Discusses treatments, including insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes
Information on type 2 diabetes. Describes how insulin is made and used by the body. Describes symptoms and how type 2 is treated. Provides info on blood sugar (glucose) levels. Discusses obesity's role in type 2 diabetes. Discusses exercise and diet.
Diabetes-Related High and Low Blood Sugar Levels
Briefly discusses high and low blood sugar levels caused by diabetes. Suggests when to check blood sugar levels. Includes info on diabetes emergencies. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Diabetes: Tests to Watch for Complications
These are the tests you may need and how often you should have them. The tests may vary depending on whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A1c blood test. This test shows the average level of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. It helps your doctor see whether blood sugar levels have been staying within your...
Type 2 Diabetes: Screening for Adults
Doctors follow guidelines from experts to decide when to test adults for type 2 diabetes. Talk with your doctor about your risk for type 2 diabetes and how often you need to be tested. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends testing for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in people who are overweight or obese and...
Type 2 Diabetes: Screening for Children
Starting at age 10 or at the start of puberty, children who have a body mass index (BMI) in the 85th percentile or higher for their age—or whose weight is more than 120% of ideal—and who have one of the following risk factors need to be tested for type 2 diabetes every 3 years. Risks include: Having a parent or sibling...
Diabetes in Children: Care Plan for School or Day Care
A diabetes care plan lists all the information that the school staff needs to manage your child's diabetes. Here is some important information to put in the plan. Include information about insulin or other medicines, if needed. Provide directions on how to give insulin to your child (for example, with an insulin pen)...
Diabetes: Coping With Your Feelings About Your Diet
Discusses dealing with negative feelings that can interfere with your ability to follow your diet for diabetes. Provides ways to deal with negative feelings about your diet.
Food List for Diabetes
People often think that following a diet for diabetes means giving up foods they like and having to eat foods they don't like. If you think a diet for diabetes means you can't eat any of the foods you like, try this: Write down what foods are good for you, which are bad for you, which foods you like, and which foods you...
Diabetes: Taking Care of Your Feet
When you have diabetes, your feet need extra care and attention. Diabetes can damage the nerve endings and blood vessels in your feet, making you less likely to notice when your feet are injured. Diabetes also limits your body's ability to fight infection and get blood to areas that need it. If you get a minor foot...
Diabetes: Checking Your Feet
When you have diabetes, you'll need to check your feet every day. Look at all areas of your feet, including between your toes. Use a handheld mirror or a magnifying mirror attached to the bathroom wall near the baseboard to inspect your feet. If you can't see well, have someone else use this checklist to examine your...
Diabetes: Steps for Foot-Washing
Taking good care of your feet is an important part of the daily routine when you have diabetes. Post this list of steps for proper foot-washing and foot care in your bathroom. Use warm (not hot) water. Check the water temperature with your wrists, not your feet. Wash all areas of your feet. Pay special attention to the...
Diabetes: Protecting Your Feet
Because you have diabetes, you need to be especially careful to protect your feet from injury. These tips can help. Wear shoes all the time. If you don't want to wear shoes indoors, wear slippers with hard soles and good support. Keep your shoes next to your bed. Slip them on your feet as soon as you get out of bed...
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Discusses diabetic ketoacidosis. Covers causes and symptoms. Discusses how it is diagnosed and treatment options.
Diabetes: Using a Plate Format to Plan Meals
Explains the plate format as an easy way to plan meals to help manage the amount of carbohydrate in each meal.
Diabetes and Alcohol
People who have diabetes need to be more careful with alcohol. Before you drink, consider a few things: Is your diabetes well controlled? Do you know how drinking alcohol can affect you? Do you have high blood pressure, nerve damage, or eye problems from your diabetes? If you take insulin or another medicine for...
Type 2 Diabetes: Can You Cure It?
There is no known cure for type 2 diabetes. But it can be managed. And in some cases, it goes into remission. Avoid products that promise a cure for type 2 diabetes. What is remission? Remission means having an A1c of 6.5% or lower without using diabetes medicine for at least 3 months. Some people who don't need...
Diabetes Care Plan
Your name: __________________ Date: _______________________ You can make the most of your office visit by having this form with you when you talk with your doctor. What to bring to every appointment Your blood sugar log. A list of all your medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. Other test results, if...
Diabetes: Counting Carbs
Learn why counting carbs is important when you have diabetes, and get tips for how to count carbs and keep a balanced diet.
Kidney Health Testing for People With Diabetes
If you have diabetes, your kidneys could become damaged over time. Diabetic kidney disease is sometimes called diabetic nephropathy. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure. Diabetic kidney disease usually has no symptoms in the early stages. So it's important to have regular tests. They can alert you and your...
Quick Tips: Smart Snacking When You Have Diabetes
Follow your body's hunger and fullness signals. Smart snacking can help you keep your blood sugar levels stable, especially if you are taking medicine for diabetes. Take time to enjoy your food. Try using a smaller plate, bowl, or glass while you slowly eat your snack. Try to make healthy choices. Eat a piece of fresh...
Diabetes: Travel Tips
Travel can make it hard to keep your blood sugar within your target range because of changes in time zones, meal schedules, and types of foods available. It's important to take extra medicines and supplies. Bring treatments for high and low blood sugar, such as quick-sugar foods and a glucagon kit. And try to eat and...
Caring for Your Skin When You Have Diabetes
If high blood sugar levels have damaged nerves that go to your skin, you may sweat less, and your skin may become dry and cracked. Damaged skin gets infected more easily when you have diabetes. Try these tips to help prevent dryness, injury, and other skin problems. See your doctor or a dermatologist if you have a skin...
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) in People Without Diabetes
Discusses hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people who don't have diabetes. Explains blood sugar (glucose) in the body. Describes symptoms of mild, moderate, and severe hypoglycemia. Covers treatment for sudden episodes and emergency situations.
Diabetic Retinopathy
What is diabetic retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by diabetes. Diabetes can damage small blood vessels in part of your eye. This can lead to poor vision and blindness. What causes it? Diabetes damages small blood vessels throughout the body. Diabetic retinopathy happens when prolonged high...
Laser Photocoagulation for Diabetic Retinopathy
Laser photocoagulation uses the heat from a laser to seal or destroy abnormal, leaking blood vessels in the retina. One of two approaches may be used when treating diabetic retinopathy: Focal photocoagulation. Focal treatment is used to seal specific leaking blood vessels in a small area of the retina, usually near the...
Diabetic Neuropathy
Discusses diabetic neuropathy, nerve disease caused by diabetes. Covers the three types: peripheral, autonomic, and focal. Discusses symptoms of each type. Covers diagnostic tests. Includes info on treatment with medicines, physical therapy, and TENS.
Diabetic Atypical Neuropathies
Atypical neuropathies are types of nerve damage caused by diabetes. One type affects just one nerve. This is called mononeuropathy. It often affects a nerve in the wrist or foot. It can also affect a nerve that controls the eye muscles. Another type affects many nerves. This is called polyradiculoneuropathy. It often...
Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy
Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is damage to the autonomic nerves caused by diabetes. These nerves control things like your heartbeat, blood pressure, sweating, digestion, urination, and sexual function. Heart and circulatory system problems Diabetic autonomic neuropathy may damage the nerves in the heart and circulatory...
Criteria for Diagnosing Diabetes
Doctors use blood tests and follow guidelines from experts to diagnose diabetes. Criteria for diabetes You will be diagnosed with diabetes if you meet one of the following criteria: You have symptoms of diabetes and a blood sugar level equal to or greater than 200 mg/dL. Symptoms include increased thirst, increased...
Gestational Diabetes: Counting Carbs
Guides you through carbohydrate counting as a good way to help control blood sugar when you have gestational diabetes. Explains why you need to count carbohydrates and how to count them. Includes suggestions that can help you count carbohydrate grams.
Diabetic Kidney Disease
Discusses diabetic nephropathy, which is kidney disease or damage caused by diabetes. Covers causes and symptoms. Discusses how it is diagnosed and treatment options, including medicines, diet, and dialysis. Offers home treatment tips.
Type 2 Diabetes in Children
Covers type 2 diabetes in children. Discusses how obesity or being overweight is causing type 2 diabetes in kids. Includes info on treatment. Discusses monitoring blood sugar levels. Includes info on hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
Diabetes and Infections
High blood sugar from diabetes can affect the body's immune system, impairing the ability of white blood cells to come to the site of an infection, stay in the infected area, and kill microorganisms. Because of the buildup of plaque in blood vessels associated with diabetes, areas of infection may receive a poor blood...
Diabetes: Differences Between Type 1 and 2
There are many differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. But in both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high. This increases the risk for complications, such as blindness and kidney failure. For both diseases, treatment focuses on keeping blood sugar levels within a target range to help prevent...
Diabetes Complications
When you have diabetes, you are at risk for getting other health problems, called complications. This is especially true if your blood sugar levels stay high. Over time, high blood sugar can damage many parts of your body. It can lead to a variety of problems, including problems with your: Eyes. High blood sugar levels...
How Diabetes Causes Blindness
Diabetes damages small blood vessels throughout the body. Diabetic retinopathy happens when prolonged high blood sugar damages the blood vessels of the retina. This is the part of the eye that sends images to your brain. Other conditions that increase your risk include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and kidney...
Type 1 Diabetes in Children: Caring for Your Child
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease that currently has no cure. Your child needs to take insulin injections. This can be a scary process for adults, not to mention for a child. If your child is very young, you will need to give these injections. When your child is older, he or she can take on some of the...
How Diabetes Causes Foot Problems
When you have diabetes, your feet need extra care and attention. Diabetes can damage the nerve endings and blood vessels in your feet, making you less likely to notice when your feet are injured. Diabetes also limits your body's ability to fight infection and get blood to areas that need it. If you get a minor foot...
Breastfeeding When You Have Diabetes
Breastfeeding is good for you and your baby. Even with diabetes, you can have the same chance of success with breastfeeding as anyone else. Here are some tips for eating a healthy diet when you're breastfeeding. Get help from a registered dietitian. It's important to eat a nutritious diet. A registered dietitian can...
Diabetes in Children: Food Issues at School
Learning how to manage their diabetes at school can be a big challenge for children. It may also bring changes to their school day as they learn to find time to care for their illness. But it can also be an opportunity for them to start taking more responsibility for their own health. Part of that means learning how to...
Sick-Day Guidelines for People With Diabetes
What happens when you are sick If you have diabetes, other illnesses can make your blood sugar go up. This can be dangerous. When you're sick with the flu or another illness, your body releases hormones to fight infection. These hormones raise blood sugar levels. They also make it hard for insulin or other medicines to...
Diabetes in Children: Counting Carbs
Teaches counting carbs to help you and your child plan meals to manage diabetes and control blood sugar. Explains why carb counting is important. Includes links to more info on counting carbs if you use insulin and on type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Treating Diabetic Foot Problems
Foot problems from diabetes are treated by keeping blood sugar levels in your target range. Other types of treatment include medicine, special shoes, and surgery. Treatment for foot ulcers includes keeping weight off your injured foot. A cast or special boot, shoe inserts, crutches, a wheelchair, or bed rest may be...
Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Covers type 1 diabetes in children. Includes info on managing diabetes. Discusses using glucose monitors for blood glucose testing. Includes links to info on dealing with diabetes in school. Includes info on hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
Diabetes in Children: Special Camps
Camps for children who have diabetes give your child a chance to meet and share experiences with other children who have the disease. These camps help children take responsibility for their condition and gain independence in diabetes care. They also provide a fun outdoor experience. They may include swimming, hiking, or...
Pregnancy and Diabetes: Planning for Pregnancy
If you have diabetes and are planning to become pregnant, meet with your doctor. Things to discuss include: Your A1c goal, your medicine for diabetes, and your weight. Whether your immunizations are up-to-date and whether you're getting enough folic acid. The safety of any prescription and over-the-counter medicines and...
Diabetes in Children: Preparing a Care Plan for School
A diabetes care plan for school is a document that includes information to help the school or day care staff know how to manage your child's diabetes. The goal of a care plan is to meet your child's daily needs and prepare ahead of time for any problems. For example, if your child needs to eat shortly after taking...
Screening for Gestational Diabetes
People who are pregnant and are not already diagnosed with diabetes should be tested. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends testing after the 24th week of pregnancy. The American Diabetes Association recommends testing between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. After delivery Even though your gestational...
Gestational Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar
Discusses how to deal with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when you have gestational diabetes (diabetes that developed during pregnancy). Covers symptoms and complications of hypoglycemia. Offers tips on preventing and managing low blood sugar.
Non-Diabetes Medicines That May Raise Blood Sugar
Some medicines for conditions other than diabetes can raise your blood sugar level. This is a concern when you have diabetes. Make sure every doctor you see knows about all of the medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you take. This means anything you take with or without a prescription. Examples include: Thiazide...
Type 1 Diabetes: Your Child's Role in Care
Children with type 1 diabetes can and should take part in their treatment. As children get older and more experienced with the disease, they can participate more in their treatment. Toddlers and preschool-aged children usually can't do tasks for diabetes care, such as giving insulin or checking blood sugar. But as they...
Diabetes: Blood Sugar Levels
Keeping your blood sugar in a target range reduces your risk of problems from diabetes. These problems include eye disease (retinopathy), kidney disease (nephropathy), and nerve disease (neuropathy). If you're pregnant, staying in a target range can also help prevent problems during pregnancy. Work with your doctor to...
Diabetes: Tracking My Feelings
Use this form to think about any negative feelings you have about diabetes. My feeling is (for example, resentment):_____________________ I have this feeling because I think (for example, I resent the fact that I have diabetes and should eat less of some foods that I like): _______________________________________...
Diabetes: Care of Blood Sugar Test Supplies
It's important to take care of your supplies so that you can test your blood sugar safely and get the most accurate results. Take care of your meter. Follow the care instructions from the manufacturer. Some meters need to be cleaned regularly and have their batteries changed now and then. Meters can be damaged if...
Diabetes: Checking Your Blood Sugar
Describes monitoring blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. Gives step-by-step instructions. Covers how to record testing results and how to prevent sore fingers.
Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar From Medicines
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) occurs when the sugar (glucose) level in the blood drops below what the body needs to function normally. Some medicines for diabetes can cause low blood sugar. Even mild low blood sugar can affect the way you think and respond to things around you. And mild low blood sugar can quickly drop...
Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar From Insulin or Medicine
If you take insulin or certain diabetes pills that lower blood sugar, your blood sugar may get too low at times. Low blood sugar can happen if you: Take too much diabetes medicine in a day, take your doses too close together, or take your full dose of medicine when you aren't going to eat your usual amount of food...
Diabetes: How to Give Glucagon
People with diabetes sometimes get very low blood sugar. If they are unconscious, they need glucagon right away. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar quickly. It can be given as a shot or as a powder that's sprayed into the nose. If someone close to you has diabetes, you may need to give them the glucagon shot...
Diabetes: Preventing High Blood Sugar Emergencies
Discusses preventing high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) problems in a person with diabetes. Discusses treating infections early, being prepared, and drinking plenty of liquids.
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) most often occurs in people who have diabetes that isn't well controlled. The symptoms of high blood sugar can be mild, moderate, or severe. Young children are not able to recognize symptoms of high blood sugar. Parents need to do a home blood sugar test on their child whenever they...
Diabetes: Giving Yourself an Insulin Shot
Offers step-by-step instructions for preparing and giving single-dose and mixed-dose insulin shots. Includes where on the body to give shots.
Quick Tips: Diabetes and Shift Work
Managing diabetes is all about setting a healthy routine of medicine, eating, exercise, and sleep. But when you work night shifts or have changing work shifts, it can seem like there's nothing routine about your life. It's more of a chore to manage diabetes under such conditions, but it can be done. These tips may help...
Diabetes: How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy
Before the test, you will need to stop eating solid foods. You also will follow instructions on how to clean out your colon. This will help your doctor to be able to see inside your colon during the test. Before you schedule When you make your appointment for the colonoscopy, mention that you have diabetes. Ask for any...
Diabetes: Lower Your Risk for Heart Attack and Stroke
For some people, diabetes can cause problems that increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Many things can lead to a heart attack or stroke. These include high blood sugar, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Lifestyle and genetics may also play a part. But here's the good news: The...
Diabetes, Type 2: Should I Take Insulin?
Guides you through the decision to take insulin for type 2 diabetes. Provides info on when insulin may be needed to control blood sugar levels. Covers benefits and risks of insulin. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Prediabetes: Which Treatment Should I Use to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?
Guides you through the decision to use the medicine metformin, lifestyle changes, or both to prevent type 2 diabetes. Provides specifics about metformin and goals for lifestyle changes. Lists benefits and risks. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.
Diabetes: Making Medical Decisions as Your Health Changes
For many people, diabetes leads to serious health problems. These life-changing conditions bring with them new medical decisions and plans. Medical decisions are very personal. Different people handle them in different ways. "In the past year, I've learned I have kidney disease from my diabetes. Wow. My wife and I...
Diabetes: Caregiving for an Older Adult
Caring for an older adult with diabetes may feel like a lot to take on. Caregiving can be challenging at times because what seems best for that person may not be what they want. You may worry about invading their privacy or free will. There's also the stress of learning how to manage diabetes and often other health...
Testing Tips From a Diabetes Educator
Taking charge of your type 2 diabetes means managing your blood sugar. But to manage your blood sugar, you have to test it, says Rhonda O'Brien, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. A big part of O'Brien's work is teaching people how to check their blood sugar, find their target blood sugar range, and...
Andy's Story: Finding Your Own Routine When You Have Diabetes
Two years ago, when his doctor told him he had type 2 diabetes, Andy wasn't surprised or even that worried. His blood sugar had been creeping up for the past few years. His doctor had even warned him to make some changes—to lose some weight and get more active. But he felt okay. If he was sick, he couldn't tell. "I just...
Diabetes and Constipation or Diarrhea
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem for people who have diabetes. Diarrhea that occurs at night is also common. The nerves of the intestines control how long solid food waste remains in the intestines. If these nerves have been damaged by high blood sugar levels, food and waste products may move through...
Tips for Exercising Safely When You Have Diabetes
Before you start a new exercise program, talk to your doctor about how and when to exercise. Some types of exercise can be harmful if your diabetes is causing other problems, such as problems with your feet. Your doctor can tell you what types of exercise are good choices for you. Here are some general safety tips. Take...
Diabetes: Taking Care of Your Teeth and Gums
When you have diabetes, managing blood sugar levels and taking good care of your teeth and gums are both important. When blood sugar levels are high, there's a greater risk for: Gum (periodontal) disease. Tooth decay. Fungal infections in the mouth, like thrush. Dry mouth, or xerostomia (say "zee-ruh-STO-mee-uh"). The...
Teens With Diabetes: Issues for Parents
The teen years may be the hardest time for young people with diabetes and their parents. Normal teen behaviors include going to bed late, sleeping late, and eating meals at varying times. These behaviors combined with the normal cycle of rapid growth spurts and periods of slow growth make it hard to keep a teen's blood...
Noninsulin Medicines for Type 2 Diabetes
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Metformin for Diabetes
What are the most important things you need to know about your medicines? Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read...
Diabetic Neuropathy: Exercising Safely
Discusses how to exercise safely if you have diabetic neuropathy.
Gestational Diabetes: Checking Your Blood Sugar
Describes monitoring blood sugar levels when you have gestational diabetes. Gives step-by-step instructions. Covers how to record testing results and how to prevent sore fingers.
Gestational Diabetes: Giving Yourself Insulin Shots
Offers step-by-step instructions for preparing and giving single-dose and mixed-dose insulin shots. Includes where on the body to give shots.
Diabetes: Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol (or lipid) problems are common in diabetes. These problems are usually related to obesity and insulin resistance. They can also be related to lack of insulin in your body. Triglyceride blood levels are usually elevated. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) blood level is usually low. These abnormal triglyceride...
Reading Food Labels When You Have Diabetes
When a food comes in a package, it's helpful to look at the Nutrition Facts label and ingredient list on the package. You can see how much of different kinds of nutrients you're eating. Start with the "% Daily Value" column on the food label. A food is considered low in a specific nutrient (such as fat, saturated fat...
Eating Out When You Have Diabetes
With planning and thoughtful choices, you can follow your meal plan for diabetes when you eat away from home, such as at a party or restaurant. You can find ways to limit your portions and pick healthy choices from the menu. It's also important to be aware of how much carbohydrate you are eating. Most fast-food...
Diabetes: Staying Motivated
Having diabetes can be hard to accept. It's normal to feel sad or angry. You may even feel grief. It's normal to feel frustrated or overwhelmed with all there is to do. Some days you may feel like it's just too much work. There will be times when you just don't feel like testing and tracking your blood sugar. There are...
Diabetes in Children: Giving Insulin Shots to a Child
Provides step-by-step instructions for preparing and giving insulin shots to a child. Includes preparing mixed-dose and single-dose shots. Links to images for how to prepare and give both types of shots. Explains where to give shots and how to rotate injection sites.
Diabetes in Children: Checking Blood Sugar in a Child
Describes monitoring blood sugar levels in children with diabetes. Gives step-by-step instructions. Covers how to record testing results and how to prevent sore fingers.
Diabetes in Children: Preventing High Blood Sugar
Discusses high blood sugar (also called hyperglycemia) in children with diabetes. Covers symptoms. Offers tips on preventing high blood sugar emergencies.
Diabetes in Children: Treating Low Blood Sugar
If your child takes insulin or certain diabetes pills that lower blood sugar, their blood sugar may get too low at times. Low blood sugar may happen if your child: Takes too much insulin or other diabetes medicine. Skips or delays a meal or snack. Is more physically active than usual without eating enough food. Takes a...
Diabetes: High or Low Blood Sugar in Young Children
Even if you're careful and do all the right things, your child can have problems with low or high blood sugar. Teach your child to be aware of the symptoms and what to do if they occur. Symptoms of low blood sugar include: Sweating. Feeling weak and hungry. But your child's symptoms may be different. Low blood sugar...
Diabetes: Amputation for Foot Problems
If you have diabetes, a minor foot injury, like a blister, can develop into an ulcer or serious infection. Infections of the feet can spread to the leg. Sometimes the infection is so severe that toes, the foot, or part of the leg must be removed by surgery (amputation). Amputations are done if the foot or leg can't be...
Type 1 Diabetes in Children: Safe Exercise
Children with diabetes can take part in sports just like children without diabetes. Each child will react differently during physical activity. Children who use insulin are at risk for low blood sugar during and after exercise. Good planning means checking blood sugar before, during, and after exercise. Keep a record of...
Diabetes: Should I Get an Insulin Pump?
Guides you through decision to get an insulin pump to manage type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Discusses who makes a good candidate for an insulin pump. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Diabetes: Living With an Insulin Pump
Some people with diabetes use an insulin pump instead of daily shots to manage their disease. The pumps give them more freedom to eat, sleep, and exercise when they want. A pump can be an important tool in preventing problems like very low blood sugar. But using an insulin pump takes some getting used to. Depending on...
Carbohydrate Foods
One serving of carbohydrate food has about 15 grams of carbohydrates. Typically if a food has 8 to 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it is considered to be 1 serving of carbohydrates. Foods that contain carbohydrates are grouped into the following categories. The carbohydrate content is listed in grams (g). If you...
Checklist for Shoes and Socks That Fit Well
Choosing shoes when you have diabetes When you have diabetes, it's important to wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Here are some tips for choosing shoes. Choose shoes that fit well. To ensure a good fit: Buy shoes in the evening when your feet are more likely to be swollen. This will give you a better fit...
Treating Low Blood Sugar
Follow these steps when your blood sugar level is below your target range (usually below 70 mg/dL). Share treatment instructions with your partner, coworkers, and friends. They can help if you are too weak or confused to treat your low blood sugar. Be alert for low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar often and anytime...
Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
Some young children with diabetes can't recognize symptoms of low blood sugar. Others can, but not every time. To be safe, parents need to do a home blood sugar test whenever they suspect low blood sugar in a child. Mild low blood sugar If your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL, you may have symptoms of mild low blood...
Diabetes in Children: Giving Single-Dose Insulin Shots to a Child
Insulin is normally made by the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach. In children with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes enough insulin or it stops making it. Without insulin, your child's blood sugar level rises to dangerous levels. When this happens, your child needs insulin shots to keep blood sugar at a...
Diabetes: Giving Yourself a Single-Dose Insulin Shot
Insulin is normally made by the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach. In people with diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes enough insulin or it stops making it. Without insulin, your blood sugar level rises to dangerous levels. When this happens, you need insulin shots to keep your blood sugar in your target range. You...