DIABETES 101:

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DIABETES 101:

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QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE

TEAM ABOUT YOUR TYPE 2 DIABETES

By Martha Funnell, M.S., R.N., C.D.E.

Living with diabetes is not easy. Type 2 diabetes is serious

and there is a lot to do each and every day. But, you can learn

how to better manage your diabetes. Choose a goal and make a

plan. By taking it one step and one day at a time, you can

do it. Remember, your health care team is here to help.

Here are five questions you can ask your health

care team to help you learn how to manage your

diabetes and live a long, healthy life:

What are my ABCs (A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol) and

what should mine be? A1C is a measure of blood glucose (sugar)

levels over the past two to three months. The target for most

people with diabetes is less than 7 percent. For most people

with diabetes, the target blood pressure is less than 130/80

and the target LDL (bad) cholesterol is less than 100.

Keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol

close to these target levels reduces your risk for the

long-term problems of diabetes. Ask your health care team

to help you choose the best targets for your diabetes.

How will I know if the medicines I take for diabetes are working?

If your home blood glucose readings and your A1C are within your

target range, then your medicines plus all of your efforts are

working. If your blood glucose checks and A1C level are not

within your target ranges, then it's time to review how your

medicines, food, and activity are balanced. Bring your medicines

and blood glucose log to your appointments and talk to your

health care team about what may or may not be working for you.

Are my children at risk for type 2 diabetes? Diabetes runs in

families. A healthy weight and physical activity help a great

deal to reduce the risk. As you take steps to manage your own

diabetes, think about how you can help your children and

grandchildren take steps to stay healthy and avoid diabetes

in the future. Ask your health care team about local resources

for healthy eating and activity.

When should I schedule my next routine visit? Before

leaving the health care team's office, ask to schedule

your next visit. People with diabetes should get at

least two check-ups a year for routine care.

How can I learn more about type 2 diabetes? Ask your

health care team about local diabetes education programs,

organizations, and support groups that can help you

learn about how to better live and cope with diabetes.

Print Version:

http://diabeticgourmet.com/articles/725.shtml

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" I would rather walk with God in the dark

than go alone in the light. "

~Blessed, Sugar