The goals of diabetes management are to attain and maintain near-normal blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications. Effective
self care is an important factor in success. These practices include following diet, exercise, medication and blood glucose monitoring recommendations. Mutual respect, communication and cooperation are
essential to keep you and your medical professionals working effectively together as a team. Routine Selfcare
 For those who have diabetes, some daily routines which improve blood sugar control and overall health are important to establish.
- Eat Well
Eating well with diabetes means selecting a variety of healthy foods, eating the right amount to maintain a healthy weight and
distributing meals and snacks throughout the day.
Take Medication
Medications for diabetes management are only effective when taken as prescribed. Be
sure to learn about your medications and how and when to take them. Any side effects and how to respond to them should also be well-understood
Exercising Regularly
Exercising muscles take more glucose out of the blood than resting muscles and, thus,
generally improve blood sugar control. Additional benefits of exercise include a healthier heart, better weight control and stress management. There are some exercise precautions
which people with diabetes must take, but when done safely, exercise is a valuable aid to optimal health for all.
Self Monitoring Blood Glucose (SMBG)
Blood sugar testing is now a routine part of daily life for many people with diabetes.
Blood glucose meters have become small and relatively easy to use. SMBG allows people with diabetes to make quick and simple adjustments to diet, exercise and
medications which allows them to quickly respond to blood sugar changes.
Stress Management
Good stress management skills can help minimize the release of hormones which raise blood sugar levels. Stress management practices include gettting enough rest and
exercise, avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol, and learning one or more simple relaxation techniques to help lower stress response in tense situations.
Selfcare in Special Circumstances |
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Sick Days
When ill, a person with diabetes will usually have higher blood sugar levels. This is the result of
more counter regulatory hormone activitiy. It is important to continue medications for diabetes management, and to monitor blood glucose on sick days. Some people are advised by their
doctor to increase medication.Try to follow one's usual diet but do not do exercise to lower blood sugar when sick. Exercise can aggrevate high blood sugars caused by illness.
If illness is causing nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, however, and one's usual diet can not be followed, liquid foods can be taken to provide enough carbohydrate
and fluids to keep blood sugar levels within a safe range
- Take Medication
Traveling across several time zones can create a challenge for blood sugar control, especially for people taking insulin. Diet and medication adjustments must be made. It is
important to monitor blood sugar levels and eat smaller, more frequent meals during the first day or so after traveling. Be sure to pack enough personal supplies and medication
for the trip, especially if traveling outside the country.
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