NAVY AND MARINE CORPS PUBLIC HEALTH CENTERPREVENTION AND PROTECTION START HERE

Living Well with DiabetesManaging Your Blood SugarUnderstanding DiabetesLearning about the causes and treatment for diabetes is important to living a healthy life and preventing complications. Diabetes is a disease which a person’s blood sugar level is above a healthy range.1 Uncontrolled high blood sugar increases your risk of serious health problems, including coma, amputations, and heart disease.

Working with Your Healthcare TeamYou can manage your diabetes with the support of others. Work with your healthcare team to establish healthy blood sugar goals and lifestyle changes that work for you. Check with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

Living a Healthy Life • Take all medications as prescribed and do not stop taking medication without asking your healthcare team even if your blood sugar is improving.

• Get an A1c blood test to know your blood sugar average for the previous 3 months.

• Ask your healthcare team questions about your treatment plan and your medications.

• Eat a low carbohydrate, balanced diet with the majority of your plate filled with non-starch vegetables like broccoli, green beans, and lettuce.

• Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days of the week. Include strength training and stretching as part of your routine.

• If you use tobacco, ask your healthcare team for help with steps towards becoming tobacco-free.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Keep a log of your blood sugar readings.

• Drink water.

• Limit your alcohol intake.

Photo Credit: CDC, Amanda Mills

NAVY AND MARINE CORPS PUBLIC HEALTH CENTERPREVENTION AND PROTECTION START HERE

If you have questions about your blood sugar or how diabetes can affect your overall health, don't wait until your next appointment to talk to your healthcare team.

SocializingYou can have an active and fun social life while living with diabetes. You can enjoy restaurants, parties, and attend social events with family and friends while maintaining healthy blood sugar. Thinking ahead and asking for support from others can be helpful in keeping you on track for long term healthy blood sugar.

Some people with diabetes have to use insulin to control their blood sugar. Some insulin must be kept cold, so packing a small cooler bag with your insulin, ice pack, alcohol wipes, and needle may be necessary when attending events.

What you eat is an important part of controlling your blood sugar and sticking to your eating plan can be challenging in social situations. The combination of eating high sugar beverages, high calorie appetizers, oversized meals, and sugary desserts can result in high blood sugar. Being mind-ful of the food, drink, and portion sizes that you choose can help you stay on track with your low carbohydrate diet and blood sugar goals. These tips can help you stick to a healthy, low carbohydrate diet while socializing2:

• Let others in the group know you have diabetes and youare following a low carbohydrate diet. This may helpdecrease peer pressure to overeat unhealthy food.

• If dining out, review the restaurant menu before you arriveand decide what to order beforehand.

• Find out what food will be available at group gatherings.Bring a low carbohydrate item to share!

• Select lean meats or chicken without the skin that arebaked, broiled, or grilled.

• Order meals that include non-starch vegetables, such ascucumbers, spinach, tomatoes, and limit high-starch foodslike bread, rice, potatoes, corn, and peas.

• Choose whole grain and wheat items when availableversus white.

Finding Emotional SupportIt is normal to feel a range of emotions when managing a chronic condition. These emotions can include anger and sadness.3 It is also normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed.3 Having a support network to help you with these emotions and feelings is important. A support network can include:

• Family• Friends• Others who may be managing the same condition• Your healthcare team

Are you struggling or feeling overwhelmed? Ask your healthcare team to connect you with a helping resource, such as a counselor, who can help you understand and work through challenges.

Photo Credit: CDC, Cade Martin

References

Updated May 2017.