DIABETES... CARE... PREVENTION... MANGEMENT

PREVENTION OF COMPLICATIONS

Prevention of complications should be the goal of all individuals living with diabetes. The following action plan should be implemented to reduce your risk of developing long-term complications.

YOUR ACTION PLAN FOR LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES:

• follow your meal plan and exercise regularly
• take your medication as prescribed
• test your blood sugar (glucose) regularly [Remember that checking your blood sugar (glucose) before and 1 to 2 hours    
• after a meal is the best way to know how your body handles the meal]
• learn proper foot care & have your feet checked by a professional once a year
• have an annual dilated eye examination
• have your blood pressure checked regularly (optimal level 130/80)
• have regular medical checkups including periodic blood and urine tests to assess your diabetes control
• reduce alcohol intake, and
• quit smoking

COMPLICATIONS CAN BE SERIOUS

• eye disease (retinopathy)
• nerve disease (neuropathy) including foot problems and impotence
• kidney disease (nephropathy)
• heart disease, stroke, and circulatory problems

ACTIVE LIVING – being active helps you to:

• deal with life problems (stress) and feel more energetic
• keep your weight down
• lower your chances of heart disease (heart disease is a serious problem for people with diabetes, especially if they smoke)
• tone or build up your muscles

HEALTHY EATING – important for overall health and means:

• choosing a variety of healthy foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low fat milk products and wild and lean meats
• eating foods with a low Glycemic Index

[The glycemic Index (GI) is a scale, which ranks carbohydrate-rich foods by how much they raise blood sugar (glucose) levels compared to a standard food. The standard food is glucose or white bread. An example of foods with a low GI are: pumpernickel bread, oatmeal, parboiled or converted rice, barley, pasta/noodles, sweet potato, chickpeas, kidney beans, split peas, soy beans, baked beans]

• eating at regular times
• eating smaller meals and snacks more often during the day
• eating a variety of foods from all food groups
• eating less fast food, regular pop, chips and chocolate bars
• eating less fat
• limiting salt, alcohol and caffeine