For most diabetes patients, their quality of life depends. on how much they know access additional diabetes education information. …
Being diagnosed with diabetes can be scary and overwhelming Most people experience a range of emotions Fear, anger, and uncertainty are all common and normal It may help to know that you are not alone Your health care providers, along with a variety of community organizations, have resources to help you learn how to live with and manage your disease Having diabetes does not mean that you cannot lead a normal life For most diabetes patients, their quality of life depends on how much they know about diabetes and how well they use this knowledge in their daily routine Inside you will find 10 steps to help you manage your diabetes
To learn more about diabetes services available at UPMC, call 1-800-533-UPMC or log on to the University of Pittsburgh Diabetes Institute website, http://diabetesinstituteupmccom, to access additional diabetes education information
This project was sponsored by funding from the United States Air Force administered by the US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Fort Detrick, Maryland, Award Number W81XWH-04-2-0030 Review of materials does not imply Department of the Air Force endorsement of factual accuracy or opinion
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Do not ignore or delay
treatment By taking an active role in managing your disease, you can help to prevent complications caused by diabetes Ask your health care provider what the most important things are to take care of your diabetes in the days and weeks following your diagnosis Ask for a referral to see a diabetes educator and a dietitian These specialists will help you to understand diabetes better and learn how to fit diabetes management into your lifestyle Find out when you should be seen again by your provider to discuss your progress, treatments, and lab tests Try to relax It take 
s time to learn about diabetes and how it affects your body Stress can cause your blood glucose level to increase If you have fears about diabetes, try to put them aside Diabetes is a chronic but manageable disease Eat healthy foods and do not skip meals You should avoid sweetened sodas and juices, candy, baked goods, and fatty snack foods Reduce the size of your meals if you need to lose weight Ask your dietitian to help you develop a meal plan that is right for you When in doubt, always choose a healthy snack
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If you receive a new prescription drug for diabetes, be sure to ask questions at the doctors office or
the pharmacy Taking your prescription at the right time in the right way every day can make a big difference in effectively managing your diabetes Dont believe everything that you hear Not everyone who wants to share information about diabetes has the best and most up-to-date information Always consult your health care professional before changing your behavior Get a blood glucose monitor to help you track your blood glucose levels Be sure to talk with your diabetes educator to learn how to use the monitor correctly Using a glucose monitor regularly will help you to better understand how different lifestyle events and foods affect your blood sugar levels
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10 Consult with your health care professional to
develop a proper nutrition and physical activity plan If you are overweight, physical activity and weight loss can make a big difference There are a number of ways to stay active without having to purchase a membership to a gym or health club For example, try parking farther away from the entrance to the supermarket, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or walk in place while you are watching television
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