Diabetes Checklist
posted 11/07/02
Here is a summary of the guidelines that will help you manage your diabetes for a lifetime of good health:
1. Plan what you eat and follow a balanced meal plan. See your dietitian at least once every 1 to 2 years.
2. Exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week for 20 to 40 minutes each session. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. Tell your doctor what kind of exercise you want to do so adjustments can be made to your medication schedule or meal plan, if necessary.
3. Follow your medication schedule as prescribed by your doctor.
4. Know what medications (brand and generic names) you are taking and how they work. Keep a list of your medications with you at all times.
5. Test your blood glucose regularly, as recommended by your health care provider. Test your blood glucose more often when you're sick.
6. Try to continuously keep your blood glucose level at the recommended range. If your blood glucose is less than 70 mg/dl and you have more than one unexplained low blood glucose reaction a week, call your doctor. If your blood glucose is greater than 160 mg/dl for more than a week or if you have two consecutive readings greater than 300 mg/dl, call your doctor.
7. Test your urine for ketones when your blood glucose is over 300 mg/dl. Test your urine more often when you're sick.
8. Record your blood glucose and urine ketone test results in a record keeping log. Bring your log book with you to all of your doctor's visits.
9. Keep your scheduled appointments with your health care providers. See your doctor at least every 3 to 4 months for regular check-ups if you are treated with insulin. See your doctor every 4 to 6 months if you are treated with other diabetes medications or if you are managing diabetes with diet and exercise alone. More frequent visits may be necessary if your blood glucose is not controlled or if complications of diabetes are progressing. Make sure your health care provider checks your blood pressure, weight and examines your feet and insulin injection sites.
10. Have a glycosylated hemoglobin test (HbA1c) four times a year or as recommended by your health care provider.
11. Have an eye exam (including a retinopathy screening test) and urinalysis test once a year, or as recommended by your doctor. (Your doctor may request these tests more frequently).
12. Have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked (lipid profile test) once a year.
13. Have a dental exam every 6 months.
14. If you have any signs of infection, call your doctor or health care provider.
15. Practice good foot and skin care.
16. DO NOT SMOKE!
17. Try to manage stress as best as you can. You may think about attending a stress management workshop to help you learn better coping methods.
18. Discuss your travel plans with your doctor. Make sure to bring enough medication and supplies with you on your trip. Keep medications, syringes and blood glucose testing supplies in your carry-on bag. Do not check these supplies in case your luggage is lost.
19. Continue learning about your diabetes to maintain and improve your health. Attend a diabetes class or schedule visits with your diabetes educator at least once a year.
Source: Diabetes Digest.
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