Diabetes transitions class

DIABETES 101
 A disease of high blood glucose (sugar) levels  Typically hereditary, the diabetes gene is activated with certain situations (obesity, age, stress, injury, sleep deprivation, smoking)  We get energy from food, primarily in the form of glucose  All food turns into glucose, and we have glucose stored internally in our liver  A gland behind the stomach called the pancreas should make enough of the hormone  Insulin unlocks the cells (the smallest component of the body) and allows glucose to enter  With diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or use insulin efficiently  Without enough insulin, the glucose piles up in the bloodstream and can cause many problems What are the goals of diabetes self-management?  Lower your glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol to a safe level  If your glucose is less than 70 or more than 250 for 2 days  If your glucose is less than 180 and you can’t keep food down (your medication dose may need changing)  If you are vomiting or have diarrhea  If you are not tolerating your medication  Check glucose at least every 4 hours  Drink plenty of sugar-free, caffeine-free liquids (examples include water, tea, broth)  You still need small amounts of carbohydrate food for healing  If you take diabetes medication and glucose is more than 180, continue the usual dose The Keys of Diabetes Self Management*
Balance, timing, eating from a variety of nutrient rich foods and being carbohydrate aware (not cutting them out!). See “Eat Better & Feel the Difference” flyer. Helps control the amount of glucose and increases good (HDL) cholesterol. 30 minutes walking is equal to a pill for diabetes Test glucose before breakfast and before dinner, at the least. Premeal goal: 70 to 120
Two hours after meal goal: less than 160
Stress raises glucose and blood pressure. Stress can come from pain, lack of sleep, work, planning for a trip, steroids, etc. Secretagogues – makes the pancreas release insulin
(Glucotrol, Glyburide, Amaryl, Starlix, Prandin)
*Risk of hypoglycemia; take 15-30 minutes before a meal
Biguanides – decrease liver glucose production (Glucophage)
Taking Medication *Risk of diarrhea, nausea (take WITH food to minimize)  Which ones are you *Takes a couple of weeks to reach full effect Thiazolidinediones – decreases insulin resistance (Actos, Avandia)
*Risk of swelling, weight gain, 4-8 weeks for full effect. May increase risk of heart issues when used with insulin. Insulin: the hormone; know its peak time to avoid low glucose
checking with your BASAL = background (Lantus, Levemir, NPH)
BOLUS = mealtime or correction (Novolog, Humalog, Regular)

HYPOGLYCEMIA (low glucose); less than 70
Causes: medications, missed meal, exercise, alcohol; Signs:
Shakiness, hunger, sleepiness, weakness, headache, irritability,
sweating; Treatment: Sugar! Rule of 15 (15 grams sugar, wait 15
minutes, retest. If low, 15 grams of sugar, retest, if above 70, eat) Problem Solving HYPERGLYCEMIA (high glucose); above 200
Causes: too little medicine, stress, food choices; Signs: tired, increased urination, poor wound healing; Treatment: medications Certain tests reduce your risk of complications (yearly exams for eyes, feet, cholesterol; regular A1C tests and dental visits) *Adapted from AADE7 TM Self-Care Behaviors. Symbols created by THERESA GARNERO 2007

Source: http://www.tgarnero.com/TIPS-Diabetes101.pdf