Caring for yourself or someone you know with diabetes can be challenging. Understanding diabetes will help you understand the treatments that are recommended. You will learn how to manage your blood sugar, also called glucose. You’ll also learn how diet and exercise affect your glucose levels.
Risk factors for diabetes include family history, weight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and lack of exercise. Some groups of people have a higher chance of getting diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, it means that your pancreas does not make enough of a substance called insulin. This causes your blood sugar to be too high. High blood sugar can damage your eyes and kidneys. It can also raise your risk of heart attack and stroke. You will need to learn how to check your blood sugar levels and may need to start giving yourself insulin. Insulin can be given using shots, a pen-like system or a modern pump. Don’t let the thought of maintaining your insulin scare you. You will get tips and tricks from your care team to help you learn how to manage your Type 1 Diabetes.
If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, you will also need to learn about diet, exercise and other lifestyle improvements. You may be asked to take medications. Remember to ask your healthcare provider all about your medicines. Here are some helpful questions to ask when starting diabetes medication:
- What is the right dosage for me?
- How often and what time of day should I take my medication?
- Should I take my medication after eating?
- How do my medications make me healthier?
- Are there side effects?
Reach out for support from family and friends with diabetes. You can also visit our MDwise INcontrol page for national guidelines and additional resources to help you manage your diabetes.