Now that you know you have diabetes, it’s time to take steps that can help you Diabetes is a serious disease that can affect you in many ways. …
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PATIENT GUIDE FOR DIABETES MANAGEMENT
Now that you know you have diabetes, its time to take steps that can help
you live a long and healthy life Diabetes is a serious disease that can
affect you in many ways Its complication can be life threatening
However many diabetes-related problems can be prevented and delayed If
you are ready to take control of your health, youll be able to feel better
and limit serious problems You are encouraged to compare your values to
the target ranges How are you doing? What do you need to work on? How
can we help you? Additional information and handouts are available for
your learning
BLOOD GLUCOSE: _______________ Diabetes may be diagnosed when the fasting
blood sugar is greater than 126 mg/dl or when a random blood sugar is
greater than 200 mg/dl
Target values from your
glucose meter are: before breakfast 80-120
before lunch or dinner or bed 80-140
2 hours after eating a good meal
below 160
HEMOGLOBIN A1C: _______________ This shows your average glucose levels
for the past 3 months Normal is 46-6 Less than 7 for diabetics
indicates excellent control If it is greater than 8, your risk for
complications goes up dramatically Its time for more aggressive changes
in eating, exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation, or medication
adjustments and an A1C every 3-6 months
WEIGHT: _______________ The American Diabetes Association suggests a body
mass index BMI of 27 based on height A 27 BMI for your height of _____
is _____ pounds Even a 5-10 pound weight loss will help your glucose
control
BLOOD PRESSURE: _______________ A normal pressure is around 120 over 80
A good goal for you is less than 130 over 85 The first number is your
systolic pressure generated when your heart contracts The second number
is your diastolic pressure in your vessels when they are relaxed Higher
pressures are harder on your heart and vessels
LIPIDS:
Now, due to your diabetes your risk for heart disease is 2-4 times
higher Keeping lipids or blood fats in a good range is very beneficial
Dietary counseling, aerobic exercise and medications may be needed
Cholesterol: _____ goal of less than 200 mg/dl
Triglycerides: _____ goal of less than 200 mg/dl - a lower glucose
will lower this
HDLs: _____ goal over 35 mg/dl High-density lipoproteins are
healthy and good
LDLs: _____ goal of less than 130 mg/dl or less than 100 mg/dl if
you already have heart disease Low-density lipoproteins
are lazy and not good
ASPIRIN: If you are able to take aspirin, 325 mg a day is recommended to
counterbalance excess clotting factors due to the diabetes
-over-
OTHER LAB VALUES:
EYE EXAM: Date and results of last exam:
A dilated eye exam performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist will
discover early complications due to diabetes Type 2s should have annual
eye exams, beginning shortly after diagnosis Type 1s should have annual
eye exams 3-5 years after diagnosis
KIDNEY TEST: Date and results of last microalbumin test:
If diabetes
damages the kidneys they will begin leaking small protein
molecules called microalbumin Early detection and treatment may delay
further damage Type 2s should have annual testing Type 1s should
begin annual testing 3-5 years after diagnosis An ACE inhibitor is a drug
often prescribed to prevent further damage Expected value: __________
FOOT EXAM: Date and results of last foot exam by doctor or nurse:
You need to look at your feet every day to prevent problems Diabetes may
affect nerves reducing sensation and affect vessels decreasing circulation
and healing Look for any spots, blisters, corns, calluses, cracks, sores
or reddened areas Clip nails carefully Call your physician or
podiatrist to discuss changes Every 6 months, we will assess your
sensation with a special monofilament
HEALTH CARE TEAM APPOINTMENTS: If your values are above suggested goals,
your risk for complications is higher You may need to see your physician,
the diabetes nurse educator or dietitian more frequently Once your values
and tests are on target, it is recommended you see your primary care
provider and educators every 6 months
Last physician visit:
Last diabetes nurse educator
visit:
Last dietitian visit:
To increase your successful self-management of your health and prevent
diabetes related problems, please write down your goals Make them SMART-
Specific, Measurable, Active, Realistic Timely
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This guide is provided to you by Deaconess Billings Clinic It is based on
the 1998 American Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Recommendations
Diabetes Care, Vol 21, Supplement 1, January 1998, S23-31
DIAPTGDE - 12/1/98
Source:dorchesterhealth.org
