Keeping close tabs on diabetes is a key to preventing in other conditions or medical issues that can arise in individuals with diabetes.
In order to correctly monitor your glucose, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and medical status it is important to complete self and doctor check-ups on a routine basis.
Both the Canadian and American Diabetes Associations recommend the following schedule of tests.
Daily * Check blood glucose levels as required * Count carbohydrates and carefully monitor food intake including all meals, snacks, beverages or other foods consumed.
Make sure you are eating balanced meals and avoid loading up on carbohydrates during just one meal.
* Check your feet and legs for any skin conditions or signs of circulation issues.
* Eliminate stress as much as possible.
Find hobby or activity that you enjoy and is relaxing and pleasant to do as often as possible.
* Take a good multivitamin as well as any other medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not add any medications or supplements without first talking to your diabetes support team or medical professional.
Weekly * Plan meals weekly to avoid impulse eating and snacking.
Try writing down menus and meal plans and buy groceries according to the menu.
Avoid buying items that are tempting to go off program with.
* Exercise at least every other day for a minimum of 30 minutes.
This can be a brisk walk, swim or cycle or other vigorous physical activity.
Try to exercise as much as possible every day, including taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking a bit further out in the lot when shopping.
* Keep a journal to record all daily blood glucose levels, medications taken, or other health concerns.
Monthly * Assess your overall health and plan or schedule an appointment with your health care professional if you believe there are any concerns.
* Do something fun for yourself to celebrate your sticking to your plans, losing a bit of weight or exercising more that month.
* Check the dates on all medications and update your emergency kit.
* Make sure that you have enough insulin, testing strips or other equipment to have at least two months supply at all times.
Quarterly * Schedule an A1C glycosylated hemoglobin, test with your healthcare professional.
Review the results and make any needed changes in medication, diet or exercise as recommended by your physician.
Yearly * Schedule an eye appointment and make any necessary changes in prescriptions on glasses or contacts.
Notify your physician if any changes occur in your level of vision.
* Visit your podiatrist and have your feet checked.
* Get a flu shot to prevent any possible complications with illness.
* Get a microalbuminuria or urine protein test.
This will determine the condition of your kidneys and provide early detection of any issues with your kidneys.
* Go to the dentist to have a cleaning and check up.
Dental problems can affect your blood glucose levels.
Following a schedule throughout the year will help you stay on top of your diabetes, and provide early detection for any problems or conditions that may be developing.
Try finding an online or in person support group to help you with resources and activities that are specialized to diabetics and their lifestyle.
In order to correctly monitor your glucose, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and medical status it is important to complete self and doctor check-ups on a routine basis.
Both the Canadian and American Diabetes Associations recommend the following schedule of tests.
Daily * Check blood glucose levels as required * Count carbohydrates and carefully monitor food intake including all meals, snacks, beverages or other foods consumed.
Make sure you are eating balanced meals and avoid loading up on carbohydrates during just one meal.
* Check your feet and legs for any skin conditions or signs of circulation issues.
* Eliminate stress as much as possible.
Find hobby or activity that you enjoy and is relaxing and pleasant to do as often as possible.
* Take a good multivitamin as well as any other medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not add any medications or supplements without first talking to your diabetes support team or medical professional.
Weekly * Plan meals weekly to avoid impulse eating and snacking.
Try writing down menus and meal plans and buy groceries according to the menu.
Avoid buying items that are tempting to go off program with.
* Exercise at least every other day for a minimum of 30 minutes.
This can be a brisk walk, swim or cycle or other vigorous physical activity.
Try to exercise as much as possible every day, including taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking a bit further out in the lot when shopping.
* Keep a journal to record all daily blood glucose levels, medications taken, or other health concerns.
Monthly * Assess your overall health and plan or schedule an appointment with your health care professional if you believe there are any concerns.
* Do something fun for yourself to celebrate your sticking to your plans, losing a bit of weight or exercising more that month.
* Check the dates on all medications and update your emergency kit.
* Make sure that you have enough insulin, testing strips or other equipment to have at least two months supply at all times.
Quarterly * Schedule an A1C glycosylated hemoglobin, test with your healthcare professional.
Review the results and make any needed changes in medication, diet or exercise as recommended by your physician.
Yearly * Schedule an eye appointment and make any necessary changes in prescriptions on glasses or contacts.
Notify your physician if any changes occur in your level of vision.
* Visit your podiatrist and have your feet checked.
* Get a flu shot to prevent any possible complications with illness.
* Get a microalbuminuria or urine protein test.
This will determine the condition of your kidneys and provide early detection of any issues with your kidneys.
* Go to the dentist to have a cleaning and check up.
Dental problems can affect your blood glucose levels.
Following a schedule throughout the year will help you stay on top of your diabetes, and provide early detection for any problems or conditions that may be developing.
Try finding an online or in person support group to help you with resources and activities that are specialized to diabetics and their lifestyle.