Americans joke about how much sugar we eat - sugar comas, sugar highs, these all become jokes when we've overeaten.
For people with diabetes, it's no laughing matter.
Because their body doesn't produce insulin correctly, having too much sugar - or not enough sugar - can be extremely dangerous.
That's why the most important thing to do if you're diagnosed with diabetes is to learn to use a glucose monitor.
Some people need to monitor their glucose levels more closely than others.
When first starting out, talk to your doctor about how often you need to check and what to do when your blood glucose is too high or too low.
If you are a diabetic who takes insulin (mostly type 1 diabetes), it's important to have regular, accurate checks so that you can give yourself the right dose of insulin.
If you have type 1 diabetes, you probably need to check your glucose levels 2-3 times a day! For people who mostly control their diabetes with a healthy diet (stable, type 2 diabetes), you may not need to check as often.
However, using a glucose meter on a regular basis to make sure that you're staying at healthy levels can help you to control your diabetes and keep yourself safe and happy for a long, normal life.
Even if you don't use a meter every day, it can be helpful when you upset your daily routine with holidays or travel, when you're sick or abnormally stressed.
In times like that, your glucose levels can do unpredictable things, and if you know about it, you can compensate correctly and quickly.
Most plans encourage testing before meals, two hours after eating, at bedtime, or when you experience symptoms.
If you begin using a meter, get training from a diabetes educator, who can let you know how often you should test and when.
Diabetes doesn't have to be scary - you just have to show it who is in control.
For people with diabetes, it's no laughing matter.
Because their body doesn't produce insulin correctly, having too much sugar - or not enough sugar - can be extremely dangerous.
That's why the most important thing to do if you're diagnosed with diabetes is to learn to use a glucose monitor.
Some people need to monitor their glucose levels more closely than others.
When first starting out, talk to your doctor about how often you need to check and what to do when your blood glucose is too high or too low.
If you are a diabetic who takes insulin (mostly type 1 diabetes), it's important to have regular, accurate checks so that you can give yourself the right dose of insulin.
If you have type 1 diabetes, you probably need to check your glucose levels 2-3 times a day! For people who mostly control their diabetes with a healthy diet (stable, type 2 diabetes), you may not need to check as often.
However, using a glucose meter on a regular basis to make sure that you're staying at healthy levels can help you to control your diabetes and keep yourself safe and happy for a long, normal life.
Even if you don't use a meter every day, it can be helpful when you upset your daily routine with holidays or travel, when you're sick or abnormally stressed.
In times like that, your glucose levels can do unpredictable things, and if you know about it, you can compensate correctly and quickly.
Most plans encourage testing before meals, two hours after eating, at bedtime, or when you experience symptoms.
If you begin using a meter, get training from a diabetes educator, who can let you know how often you should test and when.
Diabetes doesn't have to be scary - you just have to show it who is in control.