What is the appropriate sport for diabetics to lose weight?

What is the appropriate sport for diabetics to lose weight?

 

Sports and health are two sides of a single coin. Through healthy and healthy sports, health comes especially for people with diabetes. There are some exercises that diabetics have to do to regulate insulin:

 

- Walking:

 

is a recommended sport for diabetics. It reduces some of the symptoms associated with the disease, such as feeling tired and tired.

 

-Jogging:

 

but provided that they are light speed and short distances because high speeds and long distances wear the joints.

 

- Bike riding and swimming:

 

It is very useful for diabetics where it helps to restore the balance of the body provided that it does not last long so as not to cause fatigue and fatigue to the patient.

 

According to a group of research and reports on diabetes, it was found that the exercise of some types of exercise, which should be exercised after consultation with the doctor improve the work of insulin in the body and organize the process of pancreatic secretion in many cases showed results that sports practitioners stopped eating Medications given in cases of the disease.

Can Vitamin D benefit individuals that have been diagnosed with diabetes?

Vitamin D is one of the important and essential vitamins that the body needs in order for the body’s system to perform certain functions. One benefit of this vitamin that many individuals are not aware of is the fact that it helps to protect the body from diseases of the auto-immune system. This can be especially beneficial to individuals that have been diagnosed with diabetes type 1. Various studies and research projects that have been performed show that Vitamin D has the ability to lower the risk of acquiring diabetes by as much as 30%. The biggest reason for this is because the body uses Vitamin D to maintain healthy levels of insulin in the bloodstream. 

Unlike various other vitamins, Vitamin D is produced in the body because of a photochemical reaction that occurs when sunlight is absorbed through the skin. When an individual is unable to get an adequate amount of sunlight that is needed for the production of Vitamin D, it is important to take supplements that include this beneficial vitamin. It is an effective way to balance levels of insulin in the blood, assist the formation of blood cells, and providing strength to the body’s immune system.

Can Vitamin E benefit diabetic individuals?

Vitamin E has a variety of different advantages that it offers the human body, including the ability it has for improving the activity of insulin within the body. This vitamin also has positive actions of being able to act as an oxygenator for the blood. In some cases studies have shown that vitamin E can improve the tolerance of glucose. There have also been studies that suggest that individual’s that have a deficiency of Vitamin E have a higher risk of acquiring diabetes type 2. Individuals with a deficiency to this vitamin have also shown to have an increase of damage from free radicals to the lining of the vascular system. Vitamin E is fat soluble and is required for the body’s system to run adequately.

 Not only is this vitamin effective in helping diabetes be maintained, but it can also lower LDL cholesterol, and is useful for the prevention of some diseases of the neurological system. Some people may not be aware that not only can you obtain Vitamin E in its natural form, but there are also varieties of synthetic Vitamin E that are obtainable, that only has a small amount of difference compared to the natural form.

Are there any herbal remedies that can help diabetes?

There are more individuals every single year that are diagnosed with the health condition known as diabetes. Another thing that seems to be on the climb is the individuals that would like to try natural remedies that can help them with the medical condition that they have. There are some herbal remedies that can assist the body in making more insulin, and then there are other herbal remedies that help to lower an individual’s level of glucose that is in the bloodstream. Below are a few of the most commonly used herbal remedies that diabetic individuals use.

• Ginkgo Biloba – This is a natural herbal remedy that can improve blood circulation, which is a common problem among many individuals that are diabetic.
• Ginseng – Commonly used in cooking, this herb has the ability to lower blood glucose levels.
• Fenugreek leaves – In various clinical tests, this herb has shown to increase the production of insulin in cells of the pancreas.
• Cinnamon – University tests that have been performed show that this herb is beneficial for lowering blood sugar levels.
• Tumeric – Tested in rats, this herb shows to effectively be able to decrease the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.

Can Vitamin B6 benefit individuals that have the medical condition diabetes?

Among many other beneficial vitamins and minerals that the body depends on, Vitamin B6 is one that provides the body with assistance in making hormones that would include dopamine, melatonin, and serotonin. The compounds known as pyridoxamine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxine are combined to form Vitamin B6, which is very helpful in providing the body assistance in processing amino acids. Other important benefits of Vitamin B6 are that it assists the body’s production of hemoglobin and glycogen, which can be extremely helpful for individuals that have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is also involved in the biochemical reactions of the body that would include metabolizing amino acids. 

Vitamin B6 can be obtained through supplements and various types of food products that would include non citrus fruits, red meats, various cereals, poultry, white potatoes, fish, vegetables, and eggs. When it is taken in combination with Vitamin B12 and folic acid, it can control amounts of homocysteine, which contributes to Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, osteoporosis, and strokes. As if all of these benefits were not enough, Vitamin D also has the ability to reduce the symptoms that occur with diabetic neuropathy, and it can help to fight against the health problem of anemia.

How can chromium benefit individuals with diabetes?

The efficient running of a person’s body is reliant on several different vitamins and minerals. One mineral that is beneficial to individuals that have diabetes is known as chromium. This mineral has the ability to promote an improved tolerance to glucose in diabetes type 1 as well as in diabetes type 2. It also provides the body with the assistance that it needs to effectively make use of the body’s insulin. In various research projects that have been performed chromium has shown to be able to increase the number of the body’s insulin receptors. Chromium is also a mineral that is responsible for helping lean body mass develop, and it can aid individuals that are trying to lose weight. 

This is a benefit in itself for individuals that have diabetes. This is simply because being overweight and obesity are leading reasons why more and more individuals are diagnosed with this type of medical condition every single year. Individuals that take this mineral on a regular basis can also benefit from lowered LDL cholesterol levels. If you are thinking of taking a chromium supplement, speak with your physician or nutritionist and see if this is a substance that can benefit you.

Can Biotin provide benefits to individuals that have diabetes?

Biotin is extremely beneficial to diabetic individuals because of the benefits that it can provide for processing glucose that is in the body’s system. This vitamin belongs in the Vitamin B group and it can help a great deal by increasing levels of glucokinase and providing help to the body in regulating insulin. Glucokinase is a substance that can be found in an individual’s liver, and in those that have the condition of diabetes, these amounts are generally extremely low. Nerve damage is a problem that happens to numerous individuals that have diabetes and it can cause a large amount of discomfort and pain.

 In some cases, Biotin has been known to relieve a large portion of nerve damage pain. Biotin has the ability to lower high blood sugar levels, and when it is used in the form of a supplement, it can enhance the production of glucokinase. There are some factors that can cause a person to have a deficiency in Biotin and these would include the long-term use of certain types of medicines, and the long-term use of antibiotics. Some of the symptoms of a deficiency in Biotin would include nausea, dermatitis, hair loss, depression, and anemia.

Can Vitamin B12 offer benefits to individuals that have diabetes?

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that can provide a variety of benefits to individuals that have been diagnosed with the condition of diabetes. Some of the benefits that Vitamin B12 can provide would include the promotion of normal development and growth in the body, and the assistance that it provides to the body in the production of red blood cells that are healthy. It is very helpful to individuals that have acquired diabetes as it offers assistance when low blood sugar or hypoglycemia occurs. Low blood sugar can be very dangerous to individuals because it can cause the body to produce amounts of insulin that are harmful. 

Vitamin B12 effectively stops the body’s production of too much insulin. Another huge benefit of this essential vitamin is the help that it can provide in reducing the amount of tissue damage and nerve damage that diabetes is known to cause in individuals that have this health condition. The help that it can provide can ultimately reduce serious medical problems that can result in the amputation of a limb. For more information or for any questions that you may have about Vitamin B12, speak with your family physician or your nutritionist.

Diabetes and some benefits of potassium

Potassium is beneficial for diabetic individuals because it can help maintain normal blood sugar levels. One of the problems with potassium, however, is there are various types of health problems that can occur when the body receives too much potassium, and there are also health problems that can occur if the body receives too little potassium. To ensure that your body receives an adequate amount of potassium, it is important to include food products that contain potassium. Below is a list of some of the foods that are known to contain potassium.

• Whole grains
• Fish
• Fruits
• Potatoes
• Meats
• Bananas
• Citrus juices

Most individuals do not have problems with receiving too little potassium, as there is an assortment of food products that contain this important nutrient. However, if the foods that you include in your daily diet are providing your body with too much potassium, you will want to make some adjustments in your diet. If you need assistance in learning the types of foods that should be included in your daily diet, speak with your family physician or your nutritionist. They can help you include foods that help to maintain healthy glucose levels.

What benefits can magnesium offer to individuals with diabetes?

Magnesium is a vitamin supplement that can help in a variety of ways, including maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar. There are many diabetic individuals that end up forming a magnesium deficiency. In a variety of different studies, it has been proven that individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes type 2, a deficiency of magnesium can even cause the blood sugar levels to worsen. There have also been research projects that have been performed that show a deficiency of magnesium in individuals that have diabetes type 1, damage to the eyes can occur. 

When this type of deficiency occurs while a woman is pregnant, it can in some cases cause birth defects and even a spontaneous abortion. If you are an individual that has diabetes and your kidneys do not function as normally as they should, it is recommended that you consult with your family physician before you take a magnesium supplement. Your doctor will want to closely monitor the use of this supplement by performing regular urine and blood tests.

Can Glucomannan benefit individuals that have diabetes?

Glucomannan is an herb that comes from the roots of a plant that is called the konjac, and it is a water soluble substance. This herbal remedy can be very beneficial to individuals that have been diagnosed with diabetes, as it can assist the body in absorbing dietary sugars. Women that are pregnant and have gestational diabetes can benefit from taking glucomannan. When individuals take this herb on a regular basis, it can help a great deal with those that have insulin resistance diabetes syndrome. It is a known fact that obesity and being overweight can increase a person’s chance of acquiring the condition of diabetes.

 This herbal remedy can be of great benefit to those that are trying to lose weight because of its ability to occupy some of the space that is in the stomach, which ends up making the individual feel as if they are full, thus resulting in the loss of weight. To help with the problems that can be caused by hypoglycemia, this herbal remedy can be added to the daily diet. The Internet is a great place to learn detailed information about benefits that this herbal remedy can provide to individuals that have diabetes.

How does Coenzyme Q10 provide benefits to individuals with diabetes?

Coenzyme Q10 is a supplement that can be found in a variety of different food products that can be consumed when an individual’s blood sugar levels have risen too high. This supplement can be very beneficial to diabetic individuals because of its abilities in lowering high levels of glucose. You can either purchase coenzyme Q10 that can be found available in a supplement form, or you can choose from the list below of the food products that contain this beneficial supplement.

• Soybean oil
• Beef
• Strawberries
• Pork
• Broccoli
• Mackerel
• Spinach
• Sardines
• White grains
• Eggs

If you are having problems with the levels of your blood sugar rising, speak with your nutritionist or your family physician about the benefits that can be provided by coenzyme Q10. You can also find a large amount of information on the Internet about this supplement, as well as the ways that it can benefit individuals that have been diagnosed with the health condition of diabetes. The best things that you can do for your body to maintain healthy blood sugar levels is commit to including healthy foods in your daily diet.

Benefits that Taurine can provide to individuals with diabetes

Taurine is a supplement that can provide the body with a variety of different benefits. This supplement can be helpful to the individual that has been diagnosed with the condition of diabetes because it can play an important part in keeping the blood sugar levels at manageable ranges. When the body does not receive an adequate amount of this supplement, there are all kinds of problems that can begin to occur.

 One major problem that it can cause is problems with the blood that will cause it to thicken. This is a problem in itself that can cause the risk of a heart attack to become much higher, because the blood in the system becomes thickened. To ensure that your body does not end up with a taurine deficiency, it is important to include daily supplements that contain taurine. There are also a variety of food products that contain this important supplement and some of these are listed below.

• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Meats
• Fish
• Brewer’s yeast

There is a lot of helpful information that can be found on the Internet concerning taurine and a variety of other beneficial supplements that the body requires.

Benefits of Carnitine for individuals that have diabetes

Carnitine is a supplement that not only benefits individuals that have problems with energy, but it can also be very helpful for individuals that have been diagnosed with the health condition of diabetes. Carnitine is a supplement that helps with a resistance to insulin from occurring, which allows diabetic individuals take insulin as required without worrying about building a resistance to it. This supplement can help improve an individual’s energy level and it helps in the transportation of fatty acids to cells of the body, which also helps maintain healthy levels of blood sugars in the body. 

When it is combined with lipoic acid it can burn glucose and fatty acids at a high rate of speed, which also provides individuals with a high level of energy. If you are an individual that has diabetes and would like to benefit from the advantages that are provided from Carnitine, it can either be taken in a supplement form, and there are also several foods that include this supplement. Some of the foods that include Carnitine would include asparagus, legumes, beet greens, nuts, and broccoli.

Inositol and benefits that it can provide to diabetics

Inositol is a supplement that can be taken to avoid various types of heart diseases, eye problems, and complications that can occur with high cholesterol. This is a supplement that also promotes a resistance to insulin, and it can help blood sugar levels rise by reducing the insulin that is produced in the body. Inositol is an important part of the membranes of the cells in the body that can help a great deal in the treatment of a variety of different health disorders. Individuals can take Inositol in the form of a supplement, or there are various food products that can be consumed that include Inositol. Below is a list of some of the foods that contain this beneficial supplement.

• Raisins
• Yeast
• Vegetables
• Bananas
• Brown rice
• Molasses

Inositol can also improve the production of phytic acid, which helps keep the levels of blood sugar at more manageable ranges. If you would like to learn information on how this supplement can benefit your condition of diabetes, you should speak with your family physician. You can also perform a search on the Internet about this supplement, and learn all types of helpful information about Inositol.

Diabetes and the benefits that ALA and GLA can provide

ALA is a supplement known as omega-3 and is commonly found in fish oils. GLA is a supplement that is found in fatty acids called omega-6, and it can help a great deal in reducing pain and inflammation that is often felt in individuals that have diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and your body has a deficiency of ALA or GLA, it is likely that you will notice quite a bit more discomfort and pain from the symptoms that diabetes can cause. There are a variety of options that you have in obtaining adequate levels of ALA and GLA for the body. 

These supplements can be purchased in supplemental form, they can be found in flaxseed supplements, and they can also be found in fish supplements. Another way that you can obtain adequate amounts of ALA and GLA is by adding a variety of different foods in your daily diet. A food of the most common foods that contain each of these supplements would include flaxseed oils, corn, sunflower, soy, and peanuts. If you are a diabetic and you are experiencing pain, it would be beneficial to speak to your physician about benefits provided in these supplements.

Benefits that Garlic and Onion can provide to diabetics

The botanical names for onion and garlic are Allium cepa and Allium staiyum. Each of these have proven to cause a drastic reduction in blood sugar levels when used in individuals that have been diagnosed with diabetes. Flavonids, which is a substance that can decrease blood glucose levels, is a substance that can be found in both onions and garlic. Diallyl disulphide oxide and allyl propyl disulphide are active properties that are also found in onions and garlic. 

There have been various studies and research projects performed that show that each of these rival inactivating sites of insulin in the liver, which causes the glucose levels to lower, which results in an increased level of insulin in the body’s system. Whether an individual consumes onions and garlic that is raw or has been cooked, they still maintain their ability to help maintain the body’s blood sugar levels. Other benefits that they provide is promote platelet aggregation and they can lower the lipid levels in the body.

Can bitter melon provide benefits to individuals with diabetes?

Bitter melon is a vegetable that is also known as balsam pear that is a native to South American, Africa, and Asia. When studies have been performed on the juices of this unripe fruit they have proven to be effective for lowering blood glucose levels. Agents that are included in bitter melon such as charantin, is a hypoglycemic agent that has the ability to provide a decrease in blood sugar levels. Insulin compounds are also an ingredient of this fruit that are known as polypeptide-P and polypeptide, which are compounds that can lower blood glucose when it is used for the treatment of diabetes type 1. 

Various types of herbal remedies can work differently on every person. What may work great for one individual, may not work very well on the next. Before you start using any type of herbal remedy like bitter melon, you should first consult with your family physician. This is because it is important for him to perform blood and urine tests on a regular basis. These will be used to monitor the levels of glucose in the bloodstream.

Are there natural herbal remedies that can benefit individuals with diabetes?

There are numerous individuals that benefit from the advantages of using natural herbal remedies for the symptoms that are caused from the condition of diabetes. Natural herbal remedies are a healthy way of keeping the blood sugar levels under control and at ranges that are easier to maintain. Many of the herbal remedies that benefit diabetes are derived from plants that are commonly called hypoglycemic plants. Although this type of herb is not able to completely replace the need for insulin, it can help the body’s system maintain the insulin it has in a more efficient manner.

 There is a wide variety of other herbal remedies that can help a great deal for the maintenance of such health conditions as diabetes. Some of the most commonly used herbal remedies for diabetes would include olive leaves, bilberry, mulberry leaves, garlic, and goat’s rule. They provide individuals with a natural and healthy way to manage the blood sugars of a diabetic’s system. Speak with your physician and learn of the benefits that natural herbal remedies can provide to you.

Can Bilberry provide benefits to individuals with diabetes?

Bilberry is the type of herbal remedy that has been used for many years for the treatment of a variety of different types of medical conditions. The pigments of this plant have beneficial antioxidant properties, and the fruit of the plant contains anthocyanosides properties. In some studies that have been performed this natural herbal remedy has shown to provide benefits in individuals that have high blood sugar levels. Because of the lack of studies and research projects performed on this herbal remedy, it is very important to use Bilberry with caution.

 It is suggested that you speak with your family physician before starting the use of this herbal remedy so he can prepare to perform urine and blood tests on a regular basis. These are needed so that your body’s blood sugar levels can be monitored closely. Not only can this natural herbal remedy be beneficial for lowering high blood glucose levels, but it can also add strength to the body’s blood vessels. Another common benefit of Bilberry is that it can reduce clumping that can occur in the platelets of the blood.

Benefits of blueberry leaves for diabetes

There are a variety of benefits that blueberry leaves can provide when it is used in a decoctioin form. The compound known as myrtillion is one of the most active ingredients in blueberry leaves, and is commonly known as anthocyanoside. This substance reduces the amount of damage that free radicals can cause; it can promote improvement of the vascular system, and increase the integrity of the capillaries. Some countries regularly use blueberry anthocyanosides as an effective treatment option that can help diabetic retinopathy, and for the treatment of various other diseases of the eyes. This herbal remedy can easily be found in many different health food stores and other shops of natural products.

However, before you make the decision to use this herbal remedy, it is important to first consult with your family doctor. When diabetic individuals use alternative treatments for diabetes, it is important for your physician to perform urine and blood tests on a regular basis. This are needed so that your doctor can monitor the levels of glucose in your bloodstream to make sure they stay at manageable ranges.

When You Learn That Your Child Has Diabetes

When you learn that your child has diabetes, you fall into a dark hole. But eventually, you find your way back out to the sunshine.

I woke up, and it felt like any other day. Then – bang – the memory slammed into my mind like a two-ton truck. I struggled to believe it was just a bad dream, but then I remembered the look on the doctor’s face and the words I’ll never forget: “Your child has diabetes.”

What? There must be some mistake. It was as though the doctor was speaking in another language, a foreign tongue I didn’t understand. I waited for him to say he was kidding, but he continued to talk about insulin, injections, blood-sugar readings, diet…. Meanwhile, I was still back at “What?”

We have no history of diabetes in our family, and I wasn’t really sure what the disease was all about. The days became a blur of blood tests, needles, carb-counting, meeting with nurses, talking to dietitians and, yes, being told of possible long-term horrors. Yet everyone was taking it so lightly, as if my 11- year-old son, Paul, had nothing worse than the flu.Why did I feel so devastated? Why did I feel like crying every minute of the day? Why did I feel as though I was in a trance and that it would all be over tomorrow?

First-year blues 

Many tomorrows have come and gone. Paul is now 17 and has had type 1 diabetes for nearly six years.The first year was the hardest. There was so much to get used to – no more sleeping in, no more long drives without preparation, no more school trips without lengthy instructions. Then there was the first time Paul cried to me about how much he hates having the disease. My whole body shuddered with the desire to take it from him and give it to myself.

I’ll never forget the day I got a call from the hospital saying that Paul had split open his head playing rugby and required stitches. Or, when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and possibly faced surgery. Even his vomiting more than twice puts panic in my heart as I’ve been instructed to take him to Emergency.

But slowly, time softens the edges. Injections take seconds, not 30 minutes. Meals are easier to calculate. Gradually, Paul learned to accept his limitations and even to speak up for himself. Still, unthinking friends will occasionally make hurtful comments such as “He’ll grow out of it,” or “It could be worse.”You want to scream back “No, he won’t,” and “No, it couldn’t possibly be worse.”

A new perspective 

Then one day, I got a wake-up call. Tragically, a boy down the street, the same age as Paul, was hit and killed by a car. My heart broke for his family. I looked at Paul and thought, “Yesterday, I would have said that they’re the lucky ones because they have a healthy son. I am the unlucky one because mine has diabetes.” Paul is active in sports, gets on well at school, is involved with the church and took his girlfriend to the prom. I am indeed the lucky one!

Thanks to an insulin pump, our lives have become more normal than I ever dreamed possible. Yes, diabetes is still an issue that we must be aware of, and problems arise from time to time. But now I can actually go whole days without thinking of Paul’s diabetes.

So to all you parents who are new to your child having diabetes, I want you to know that there is a wonderful, rich, joy-filled life despite this disease. And perhaps one day down the road – who knows? – there may be life without diabetes.

The Challenge of Child's Diabetes Management

Most parents react with shock, disbelief and sadness when their child is first diagnosed with diabetes. Many parents may have previously believed that diabetes only affects older people and have trouble accepting the diagnosis. Even when the initial shock is over, parents are then faced with the prospect of managing a complicated diabetes regimen on a daily basis in order to keep their child healthy. The task of creating a healthy environment in which their child can thrive can seem daunting.

Many parents may feel ill-equipped to cope satisfactorily with the needs of their child and they become stressed and exhausted. If you are a relative or friend of a family that has a young child with diabetes, it is important that you learn all you can in order to support them. If you are a healthcare professional or community care-giver involved in caring for a young child with diabetes, remember that it is the parents as well as the child who require support and education. Understanding diabetes is essential for parents because children who adjust early and well to their diabetes in early childhood are more likely to maintain this good control during adolescence and into adulthood. Here are some suggestions to make those most difficult of tasks, testing and injecting, a little easier.

Managing injections and tests

Adapting to life with diabetes is difficult for even the most easy-going child. Suddenly, their body becomes a pin cushion for insulin injections two or three times daily, and fingers are 'poked' for blood sugar tests four or five times in the same day.

Trying to test or inject a struggling, screaming infant or a protesting six-year-old can be stressful for both the parent and the child. With infants and pre-schoolers, it is important for both parents to be involved and to share the responsibility for these procedures. Giving injections or tests as well as cuddles and comforts should be shared by both parents. If one parent is not available, a knowledgeable and supportive grandparent or friend is often required.

It is important that 'needle' time should be as short and as calm as possible and then forgotten. A parent who is nervous will instill fear and resistance in the child. It is wise to prepare and draw up the insulin while the child is occupied. Watching the needle being prepared can lead to apprehension of the 'hurt' and can lead to delaying tactics and struggles. When possible, having someone to 'cuddle' and lightly restrain the child is advised. Keeping still is important, but if a child cries he should not be shamed. It is important for toddlers and even older children to know that it is alright to cry sometimes, and that 'injections' and 'finger pokes' do sometimes hurt, but that keeping still makes the hurt end more quickly. Praise for bravery and keeping still, even if the child cries, is important. Letting your child know he is still loved is essential. Singing a special song, telling a special story or breathing deeply can eventually take the place of crying. Using a 'magic ice cube' to numb the skin before injecting insulin can help. Children often like to apply the ice cube wrapped in a soft cloth, tissue or a 'special plastic bag.'

For infants under a year, some innovative tactics are required to lessen the impact and stress of injection time. If a baby is still breast feeding or bottle feeding they derive a lot of comfort from having the injection during a short feed. The brief pain of the needle followed by the comfort of sucking on the nipple reduces the resistance and crying in the baby and lessens the anxiety .

For toddlers, a cookie in the hand can be associated with comfort as the needle is injected. Diversions such as blowing bubbles, or having a 'big bear hug' from dad, mom, or a grandparent while someone else gives the injection are helpful. Allowing toddlers to give 'needles' to favourite toys or relatives, using a needle-less syringe will make them feel more involved.

Even for older children, an ice cube in a soft cloth held over the injection site can numb the area, and the use of fine, short insulin needles reduces pain. A sticker chart to be filled in by the child when the injection is over provides a form of reward, is fun for the child, and can also be useful for plotting rotation of insulin sites. Small children can lie on a long roll of paper and have a full body image drawn around them. Sites can be drawn onto the image and stickers applied until all sites are covered.

Sometimes, despite all the tactics, pain from a previous injection can create fear in a child and lead to struggles. In these situations it is difficult for parents to keep calm. Many parents try to rationalize with the child and wait for the child to calm down. A short delay may be helpful; however, anticipation of the 'needle' is often worse than the procedure itself and the longer you wait the greater the child's fear becomes. Usually, it is better to give the insulin quickly, even if the child is struggling. Afterwards, cuddles and comfort quickly make things better.

Because a child cannot live or grow without insulin, parents must understand that they are not being cruel to give the injection even when their child objects.

For many children, the convenience of the new rapid-acting Humalog insulin can reduce the anxiety of having to wait twenty minutes following the injection before eating, as is necessary when taking regular insulin. Eating directly after the insulin is given can be as beneficial to the lifestyle of an older child as it is to an infant or toddler. The alternative of giving rapid-acting insulin after a young child has eaten is also helpful in cases where parents are not sure how much the child will eat, or whether the child will eat at all. 

Confrontations over food are a big issue with parents of young children. Refusal to eat once the insulin has been given can throw the parent into a panic in case the child's blood sugar levels fall too low. Being able to adjust the insulin dose following a meal, and basing the dosage on the amount the child has eaten as well as on the blood sugar level, can reduce parental anxiety.

Parents must understand the importance of 'finger pricks' for blood sugar testing, even though it is an invasive procedure. Blood sugar testing is like looking through a small window into the child's body to see what is going on inside. When you know what the blood sugar level is, you know how much insulin to give and how much food to eat. This explanation often satisfies young children as well as parents. It may encourage more frequent testing because children become anxious to see what number comes up on the monitor screen. With the right encouragement, even three-year-olds can successfully prick their own fingers and do a blood sugar reading.

Finger tips, however, can get sore, especially on tiny hands. Toe or heel pricks are recommended for infants not yet crawling or walking. Using the sides of the finger tips and not the middle reduces pain, and using all 10 fingers and thumbs on both hands in rotation is important to allow healing of a site and to avoid infection. Tracing your child's hand onto a piece of paper and having your child stick a star on each side of each finger or thumb used will not only remind you where the last prick was done, but will also give your child a bit of fun by letting him or her apply the stars themselves. Using ultra-fine lancets and a penlet device that makes as little noise as possible is wise. Selecting a blood glucose meter that requires a small drop of blood, or one that allows the blood to be applied to the strip before the strip is inserted into the meter is advisable.

Soaking the fingers in warm soapy water then rinsing in warm water before the test helps to remove any sugar that might be on the fingers and helps the finger to bleed more freely. This avoids the need to squeeze the finger, which young children object to, and which causes bruising of the fingers. Placing the penlet cap firmly against the finger tip also ensures a 'good prick' the first time and avoids the need to repeat this painful procedure several times in order to obtain enough blood.

As children get more used to these procedures parents may find they can do a blood sugar test or even give insulin while a young child is sleeping.

Predicting the unpredictable

Acknowledging that things will not always go smoothly can lessen the guilt and frustration experienced by most parents of young children with diabetes. Once the 'honeymoon' phase of diabetes is over, sudden swings in blood sugar levels from high to low can be expected, often for no explainable reason. Many parents believe their child's diabetes is getting worse, or the insulin is no longer working properly. Usually these fluctuations are due to changes in growth hormone and sudden growth spurts in the child. For infants and toddlers, changes in eating patterns, sleep patterns and activity levels can affect blood sugar levels. Your child's doctor or diabetes nurse can give advice for dealing with these situations.

If young children are giving their own insulin injections and frequently have high blood sugar levels and ketones in the urine, the chances are that the child is not injecting the insulin properly, or maybe not at all. Parents should always stay involved and while encouraging independence should always be on hand to supervise, provide support and take over if necessary. Any child who is told 'this is your diabetes and you must deal with it' will feel rejected, overwhelmed with responsibility and unable to cope. Young children who are given too much responsibility too soon without parental guidance may skip injections, falsify blood tests, cheat on their meal plan and suffer the effects of uncontrollable blood sugar levels.

The fear of low blood sugar

Many parents of young children are so fearful of low blood sugar reactions that they intentionally keep their child's blood sugar levels too high. If a parent has experienced their child having a severe 'reaction' or a seizure due to low blood sugar levels it is easy to understand their fear of such episodes. Sometimes this fear leads parents into overprotective behaviour.

Often infants and toddlers do not show typical symptoms of low blood sugars such as sweating, shaking or feeling dizzy. Instead they may become irritable, pale and lethargic for no apparent reason. Toddlers who sit down suddenly and cannot get up may have a low blood sugar. Any young child who has refused a meal or snack or has been over-excited or active should be tested frequently for low blood sugar levels, and watched carefully. Infants should be treated with sugar water followed by milk, and older children with juice or another fast-acting sugar followed by a starch and protein snack. Caregivers of any kind should always carry emergency supplies to treat low blood sugar levels. They should attend classes with a diabetes educator to learn how to manage emergency diabetes situations in a young child.

Trusting others

Many parents of young children with diabetes are fearful of trusting their child to another's care. Use of a cellular phone, or a pager has been a most successful tool for parents of some young children. The knowledge that you can be reached instantly can reduce stress.

It is important to remember that parents are the most essential members of the diabetes management team. They have an awesome and challenging responsibility. Children also grow up to be essential monitors of their own management; however, children develop at different rates, and what one child is able to do at a given age, another child quite appropriately will not be able to do. Providing a loving, stable, safe environment in which the young child feels secure is most conducive to long-term successful management of the child's diabetes, and ensures the future well-being of the entire family.

Children, Diabetes & Special Occasions

Children, Diabetes & Special Occasions Having diabetes shouldn't prevent a child from having fun during special occasions. A little planning and a question or two allows kids with diabetes to participate in just about everything. On special occasions, such as sporting events, pizza days at school, classroom parties, sleepovers or birthday parties, there are a few basic rules to follow: Contact the organizer for the following details: What food will be served and when? What physical activities are planned? Determine the 'food choice values' for the food being served (your dietitian can help you if you are uncertain). How the food 'fits in' depends on when it's being served. Meals or snacks can be split as needed to allow your child to eat with the other children. Substituting between groups may be required to fit special foods in. For example: 2 Milk choices = 1 Starch choice + 1 Protein choice 2 Milk choices = 1 Fruits & Vegetables choice + 1 Protein choice 1 Starch choice = 1-1/2 Fruits & Vegetables choices 1 Fruits & Vegetables choice = 1 Sugar choice 2 Starch choices = 3 Sugar choices If you are using an insulin pump, ask your diabetes educator about any adjustments you may have to make. If there will be a great deal of physical activity, extra fruits or vegetables or starch may be needed. An adjustment to insulin may be possible also. For family feasts and holidays, it's important to keep as many 'traditionals' as possible, but the ones involving food may need to be modified somewhat. Calculate favourite recipes to determine their food choice value. Sometimes new traditions can be formed that are not food related. Here are some tips for special occasions: Hallowe'en let the kids pick out or help with costume preparation; let younger kids answer the door in costume; for older kids, the fun is 'trick or treating'; allow all the potato chips, peanuts and sugar-free gum from the loot bags. Let the kids keep some of the treats they don't usually get (e.g. chocolate and candy). These can fit into their meal plan in the following days or weeks (your dietitian can help with food choice values on selected treats); leftover treats can be traded with brothers or sisters, given to less fortunate kids or sold to parents. Christmas calculate those favourite family recipes; the festive turkey dinner items should be okay, but timing of the meal may need to be watched; Santa can stuff socks with non-food items: hair clips, stickers, colouring books, movie tickets, etc. Eating Out determine food choice values in advance, if possible; substitute between groups as needed; have on extra protein if desired; save fat choices from earlier in the day if needed; OR have one to two extra fat choices if weight is not an issue; with guidance, some people can adjust their insulin if they eat more than usual. Activity encourage your child to get involved in physical activities; you'll need to do blood tests before, during and after activities to determine the effect on blood sugars; an increase in fruit and vegetables or starch may be needed to prevent low blood sugars; be aware that some kids' blood sugars drop later, up to 24 hours after the activity is finished; a decrease in insulin may be helpful (talk to your medical team). Whatever the occasion, kids with diabetes should be encouraged to be involved. By determining the details in advance, you will be prepared so the kids can participate and have fun.

Children and Diabetes

When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, families must learn how to manage the condition on a daily basis. Education starts almost immediately with information to absorb and skills to be practised. The learning process introduces parents to an array of medical words and terms that describe diabetes and how to manage it; insulins, ketones, shots, pokes, tests, sugars, highs and lows, reactions, control. Until these words become a part of everyday language, however, it is easy for misunderstandings to occur.

Take the word control, for example. It is commonly used when talking about how effectively diabetes is being managed. For parents, whose goal is to keep their child as healthy as possible, this often means keeping a very close watch over blood sugar readings, amounts and type of food eaten and exercise taken. For a teen however, 'control' is not so much about keeping healthy but a threat to his or her need for independence. It means limiting privacy and the ability to choose for oneself. It is also easy to see how words like diet and compliance can be unintentionally viewed as restrictive.

Consequently, this diabetes vocabulary can often be misinterpreted by both parent and child, resulting in conflict where neither side feels understood. The way out of this is to talk less about control and focus more on the idea and expression of partnership between parent and child, and child and diabetes. For example, using open-ended questions such as 'How do you feel you are coping with your diabetes', or 'What are you finding most difficult about it?', or 'What would help you now?' is likely to foster a working, parent-child partnership and avoid excessive conflict. Experts are finding that this approach generates the kind of support that children with diabetes need.

Parents must be patient, flexible and willing to respond accordingly to their child's developing needs. Daily conversations between parent and child play an important part in helping to shape the child's view of himself and his world. Sometimes parents feel that they are not the major influence in their child's life and that they have been replaced by friends, movies, television and magazines. Although your child may appear disinterested, you are still an important source of experience and knowledge.

Keep in mind that what you say and how you say it can help to influence the way your child learns to live with diabetes. Here are some points to consider when you next talk about diabetes.

Labels

The words that we use to describe ourselves play an important part in defining our identity. They can also influence the way we lead our lives. For example, a child who is known as a troublemaker often continues to live up to that reputation. Similarly someone who has a chronic illness may succumb to the role of being sick and incapacitated.

A child with diabetes must reconcile his search for his own identity with having a lifelong medical condition. This is not always an easy process, particularly for young teenagers who need to feel that they fit in with their peers. Being called a diabetic assigns a particular identity and can accentuate a sense of difference. Being told that you can't do something because of your diabetes gives the condition the upper hand and sets a child apart from others.

As a parent, you can try to help your child feel that diabetes has not completely taken over her life and made her into some kind of freak. Acknowledge your child's normal developmental needs, as well as the additional challenges of dealing with diabetes, and talk in terms of having diabetes rather than being a diabetic. This will help your child develop the idea that she can be in charge of diabetes while continuing to take part in all typical daily activities.

Judging

No one enjoys being judged, least of all children. Think of their reactions when they show you their school reports with consistently low grades. Anxiety, despondency, humiliation, a 'couldn't-care-less' attitude? None of these inspire motivation to try harder. What about your reactions as a parent? Are you supportive or critical?

If given the chance, diabetes does its fair share of judging. Tests and more tests every day. No wonder children often find it harder to do these than give themselves insulin. It is not surprising that they sometimes make up blood sugar readings in order to do well and please their parents.

Monitoring blood sugar levels is obviously an essential part of maintaining good health in your child, but there may be more constructive ways of approaching it. Replace the word test with check or reading and introduce the idea to your child earlier on that checking blood sugar levels is a guide or signpost for determining which way to go next.

Try to avoid using the words good or bad in relation to blood sugars as they imply more judging and results. High and low are preferable terms, but even better to leave out the descriptive word: 'Your reading is 20 so what do you need to do now?' This will help a child work with blood sugar outcomes rather than view them as the enemy.

Shaming

All children want to hear that they are loved by their family, that they belong and that they are good enough just the way they are. Children continually seek parental approval. When this is missing, children grow up feeling that there is something wrong with them and that they are flawed in some way. This sense of shame comes about from children being told repeatedly that they do not measure up to expectations and are a continual disappointment to their parents.

Of course most parents have no intention of shaming their children, but as a result of personal frustrations or family background, shaming messages may slip out.

This can happen in families where there is diabetes. Parents may inadvertently give these types of messages out of intense desire to keep their child healthy. Blood sugar readings are rarely good enough, diet and exercise are never acceptable, attitudes to having diabetes are not up to expectations. The biggest disappointment, however, is when children lie about their diabetes - falsifying readings, sneaking food. For some parents, this is a form of betrayal and results in either punishment or parents giving up ('I've done all I can to help, you're on your own now'). In fact, what a child needs in this situation is support and understanding, not dismissal.

Children and adults all make mistakes. Although parents would like to see perfect control in their child's diabetes, this is not always possible and only sets up a child for failure and parental disapproval.

Working together with your child rather than against him in a blaming and critical way is more likely to help him cope better with diabetes and feel accepted for who he is.

There may be times when your child struggles with both the idea of having diabetes and with carrying out the daily tasks of taking insulin, checking blood sugars, and monitoring food and exercise. There is no let-up in this rigorous programme nor is there a vacation; therefore, it can be expected that children get tired and frustrated with it. Sometimes this results in a pattern of missing shots, forgetting to check blood sugars and 'junking out' on unhealthy foods. If this is done on a consistent basis, parents understandably become very anxious that this attitude of poor control will result in serious health problems later on. Again, out of love and desperation, parents have been known to try shock treatment (i.e., 'You'll go blind if you carry on like this!'). This doesn't work! For a start, teenagers are not thinking about the years ahead - they are living in the present, and trying to scare younger children into obedience is more likely to give them nightmares!

Try to help your child express his frustration of having diabetes. You can't make it go away, but you can help to share the load. It may be that some extra support and involvement is needed: doing some of the injections if this has been the sole responsibility of your child or teen, planning a more interesting diet or working in some extra treats if there is a craving for a particular food. Try to understand how your child feels and ask yourself, would you always have the willpower to stick firmly to your meal plan?

Above all, in dealing with your child's frustration, you also need to look after your own worries and concerns as a parent. Finding ways of dealing with your own stress and having support will help you to feel hopeful and to communicate with your child in a more positive way.

Family Communication
Conversations are constantly taking place within the daily life of a family. They are the means by which we communicate our thoughts and feelings. Sometimes they flow smoothly with mutual understanding and respect. Other times they end in anger, frustration, and hurt feelings. Communication does not always come naturally and can depend on how a parent or child feels at that moment. It takes thought and effort, both of which are not readily available when there is stress and tension in the family. We have seen how, in the case of diabetes, well-intentioned parents can sometimes miscommunicate with their children.

The good news is that everyone can learn to communicate better, and one or two changes in your language can make an important difference when you speak of diabetes with your child.

TRAVEL TIPS for People With Diabetes

As any travel agent or stranded tourist will tell you, planning ahead is the key to a successful trip. And this is particularly true for people with diabetes - a little forethought will take you a long way and help keep you healthy once you are there. Whether you want to hike in the Canadian Rockies or lie in the Florida sunshine, you can turn to the Canadian Diabetes Association for travel tips to help you to make your journey safer and more successful.

PLANNING AHEAD

Diabetes shouldn't stop you from doing the things you want to do. If you want to travel, and you have diabetes, you must plan ahead carefully. There are many disaster stories such as lost luggage or encountering a hurricane. Travelling can be stressful sometimes - and stress can raise blood glucose levels. Although you can't avoid the odd surprise, preparation before you leave can help you avoid undue stress.

Consider telling your travel agent that you have diabetes and explain some of the particular needs that travelling with diabetes entails. That way, a suitable itinerary can be planned to meet your needs. A missed connection or illness can ruin the best-laid holiday plans.

Visit your doctor or diabetes educator

It is a good idea to visit your doctor for a checkup several weeks before you leave. Show your itinerary to your health care team and work out plans for your meals and medication, especially if you are travelling through different time zones. Be sure to get any required vaccinations at least four weeks before you travel so you have time to deal with any possible side effects.

Ask for a list of your medications (including the generic names and their dosages) from your pharmacist -- particularly oral agents for diabetes and insulin. If you take insulin, record the types of insulin and whether the insulin is short, intermediate or long-acting. Photocopy the list and carry one copy with you at all times. Some countries require you to have written documents from your doctor, stating that you are allowed to carry medicines or supplies. Syringes and needles in particular can present a problem when entering some countries.

Illness Management Tips

Ask your doctor or diabetes educator what to do if you get sick on your holiday. Generally, if you experience motion sickness while travelling, take carbohydrate in the form of fluids. If you are not sure how to convert carbohydrate to fluids, ask your diabetes educator. Here are some basic illness management tips:

• Test your blood glucose levels every two to four hours around the clock.
• If you have type 1 diabetes, test your urine for ketones every four hours around the clock. If your blood glucose is high and you have ketones in your urine, you will need to take more short-acting insulin.
• Never stop your insulin or oral agents when you are ill, even if you are unable to eat. If your blood glucose levels are low you may need to reduce the dose.
• Drink lots of fluids as illness can cause dehydration.
  • If you are able to eat follow your regular meal plan and drink one cup of sugar-free fluid per hour (e.g. water or diet pop).
  • If you are unable to eat drink sugar containing (e.g. regular pop or tea with sugar) fluids. Try to take one carbohydrate choice per hour. See the Canadian Diabetes Associations'Good Health Eating Guide for a list of choices. In addition, drink sugar-free fluids. Try to drink one cup of fluid per hour.
• Rest.
• Seek medical attention if you vomit more than twice.

If you use insulin to manage your diabetes, you should also ask your doctor or diabetes educator about Glucagon. Glucagon is an injection that is used to treat severe low blood glucose, a condition that can cause seizures or a loss of consciousness. If you are travelling to a remote spot that does not have ambulance service, it is important that your travel companion learn how to give Glucagon. See your doctor or diabetes educator if you are unfamiliar with its use.

Identification 

Take identification with you that explains your condition in case you are unable to give instructions yourself. Consider getting a MedicAlertTM bracelet or necklace that states you have diabetes or obtain an information card from the Canadian Diabetes Association detailing your type of diabetes and the treatment you require. (For more information on how to contact the Canadian Diabetes Association or the MedicAlert Foundation, see the Resources section at the end of this pamphlet).

Travel Insurance 

Some insurance plans do not cover pre-existing medical conditions, which includes diabetes. 
The Canadian Diabetes Association offers its members medical travel insurance that includes worldwide 24-hour protection. Costs vary according to age, type of diabetes and the length of your stay. Coverage is for health care only and does not include theft or other concerns. 

(For more information on the Canadian Diabetes Association travel insurance program, call 1-800-BANTING).

PackingDivide your medications and diabetes supplies and pack them in more than one place, in case you lose one of your bags. Most importantly, make sure that you have a portion of medications and supplies in your carry-on luggage. Take extra supplies and medication in case of loss, theft or accidental destruction. Also consider some of the other supplies you may need including treatment for hypoglycemia, food supplies, drinking water, walking shoes, sunblock and medication for nausea and diarrhea.

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES
Tips for different types of travel

By Air
Most airlines are more than happy to help with the special needs of their passengers. Airlines usually offer special meals for people with diabetes, but most often the regular airline meals can fit into your meal plan with some careful planning. Always have some appropriate snacks with you in case your flight or in-flight meal is delayed or the meal provided does not have enough carbohydrate. Be aware of time zone changes and schedule your meals and medication accordingly. If you choose to sleep while on board, use a travel alarm clock or ask the flight attendant to wake you at meal or medication time.

If you take insulin, be sure to carry it with you at all times. Manufacturers indicate that, ideally, insulin should not be exposed to x-rays during travel and that it  be inspected manually whenever possible. However, the security scanners used at check-in will not normally damage your insulin or blood glucose meter. If baggage remains in the path of the x-ray for longer than normal, or if the baggage is repeatedly x-rayed, the insulin may lose potency. Insulin is affected by extreme temperatures and should never be stored in the unpressurized baggage area of the aircraft. As always, it is important to inspect your insulin before injecting each dose. If you notice anything unusual about the appearance of your insulin, or notice that your insulin needs are changing, contact your doctor.

Try to do some activity during your journey. Walk around in the terminal before boarding. Consider doing simple stretching exercises in your seat. Move your ankles in circles and raise your legs occasionally.

By Car
Whether you are a driver or a passenger, checking your blood glucose regularly is very important. Check your blood glucose before you leave home and then again every four hours during your journey.

Stop every few hours to stretch your legs and do some physical activity. This will help improve blood circulation.

At the first sign of low blood glucose or hypoglycemia, pull over to the side of the road and take a form of fast-acting sugar such as three glucose tablets or 175 mL of fruit juice. Follow this with a longer-acting carbohydrate such as a sandwich. Do not start driving again until the symptoms have disappeared and glucose values are above 6 mmol/L. If you take insulin, avoid driving in the time between your injection and your next meal. Limit your driving to a maximum of 12 hours per day, or six hours between any two meals.

Keep your medication, meal, and snack times as regular as possible. You may not always be able to get to a restaurant on time, so bring supplies with you to treat low blood glucose (e.g. three glucose tablets, four to six Lifesavers� or 125 mL of fruit juice or regular pop) in case of traffic jams, car trouble, or wrong directions.

By Sea
Cruise holidays are known for all-you-can-eat buffets. With a wide array of mouth-watering foods available, it's easy to overindulge. Talk to your diabetes educator before you leave about how to fit some of these foods into your meal plan. When possible, obtain a sample menu from the cruise line so you can get an idea of the types of foods served and you can then plan your meals accordingly.

Keep active to compensate for extra food eaten. Cruise ships offer some great activities; try an aerobics class, go for a swim, or stroll the deck at sunset.

It's a good idea to make the cruise staff aware of your diabetes in case any problems arise. Have all of your medications well documented.

By Foot
A vacation in the great outdoors can make for an excellent retreat from the pressures of everyday life, but there are a few things to consider before you go. Most importantly, there is safety in numbers - avoid going camping or hiking alone. Tell someone where you will be and when you expect to return, so you can be found in case of an emergency. Bring along a first aid kit and if you use insulin, a Glucagon¹ Emergency Kit. Teach your travel companion when and how to use Glucagon. For more information about the Glucagon Emergency Kit, talk to your diabetes educator.

The key to enjoying a camping trip is to avoid things that severely alter blood glucose levels. Avoid cuts, bruises, sunburns, blisters, insect bites and contaminated food or water. Of course, make sure you eat and drink enough to meet your needs - bring extra food, water, medication and sugar. Store your food where animals and bears cannot reach it. If you are extremely active you may need to decrease your diabetes medication, so be sure to discuss this with your diabetes educator or physician.

¹ Glucagon is used when a person has severe hypoglycemia and is unconscious.

Staying Healthy with Diabetes

Managing your diabetes well - Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are serious conditions, and can lead to the same complications. But you can do many things to stay well.

The important first steps are:

• Eating according to a healthy meal plan
• Increasing your physical activity
• Learning as much as possible about diabetes

Take Charge of Your Diabetes

Talk to your doctor about all of the following points. They are important for basic diabetes care. Your doctor and your health care team will work with you to be sure your get the best care.

Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar) You and your healthcare team should set goals for your blood glucose levels. It is important to recognize that you may need to add pills and/or insulin to your lifestyle changes (meal planning and increased activity), to achieve your blood glucose targets. Ask about a blood glucose meter to help keep track of your blood glucose levels.
Blood Pressure High blood pressure can lead to eye disease, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.You may need to change your eating and exercise habits and/or take pills to keep your blood pressure at or below 130/80.
Healthy Eating Ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian to learn about healthy eating.You should follow Canada�s Guidelines for Healthy Eating, which includes limiting the amount of fat you eat.
Physical Activity If you have type 2 diabetes, you should do at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.You may need to start with as little as 5 to 10 minutes per day of brisk walking. If you are just starting to be active, check with your doctor first.
Cholesterol High cholesterol and other fats in the blood can lead to heart disease and stroke.You may need to change your eating and exercise habits and/or take pills to keep your blood fats at healthy levels.
Weight Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight will help you control your blood glucose, blood pressure and blood fat levels.
Eye Disease You need to be seen by an eye specialist who will dilate your pupils and check for signs of eye disease.Your regular doctor cannot do this special test in his or her office. Ask for a referral to an eye specialist.
Kidney Disease The earlier you catch signs of kidney disease the better.You must have your urine tested regularly for early signs of kidney disease.Your doctor may prescribe pills to delay more damage to your kidneys.
Nerve Damage Tell your doctor or healthcare team if your hands or feet ever feel numb or have �pins and needles.�
Foot Care Take off your shoes and socks at every visit (even if your doctor or healthcare team forget to ask you). Ingrown toenails, cuts and sores on the feet can lead to serious infections. Learn about proper foot care.
Problems with Erection Trouble getting and maintaining an erection is a very common problem in men with diabetes. Do not be shy about talking to your doctor or healthcare team about it.They may be able to suggest ways to solve the problem.
Smoking Smoking and diabetes are a dangerous mix. If you are serious about quitting, your doctor or healthcare team can help. Keep trying; your health is worth it.
Depression and Anxiety  These are common in people with diabetes and can affect diabetes control. Speak to your doctor or healthcare team if you feel you might be depressed or anxious.

Stay healthy by asking the right questions. Be an informed patient. Know what tests you need to check for the complications of diabetes.Talk to your doctor about these tests.

The following are important tests for good basic care.You may need some tests more often.Target blood glucose and blood pressure levels may differ, depending on your health.

When*	What Test?
At diagnosis	Kidney test (type 2): urine test performed at the lab Eye examination (type 2): through dilated pupils by an eye care specialist Nerve damage test (type 2): using a 10-g monofilament Test for erection problems (type 2): questions about your ability to get and maintain an erection Cholesterol and other blood fat tests (type 2): a blood test
Approximately every 3 months	A1C blood test (goal: less than 7.0%, less than 6.0%, if possible) Blood pressure test (goal: at or below 130/80) Review of home blood glucose monitoring record
Every 6-12 months	Kidney check Foot exam at every visit (at least once a year) and right away for an ingrown toenail or any cut or sore that doesn�t heal Meter check Have your meter checked against the results of a blood test at the lab at least once a year.
Every 1-2 years	Eye examination by an eye specialist Type 2 diabetes: every 1�2 years** Type 1 diabetes: once a year* if you are over age 15 and have had diabetes for at least 5 years (*more often if eye disease is present)
Every 1-3 years	Cholesterol and other bloof fats tests
Regularly / Periodically	Questions about erection problems Questions about depression and/or anxiety

^** For young children and pregnant women, the timing and type of test may be different.

Keeping track of your blood glucose levels 
Monitoring your blood glucose is important. Review your home glucose monitoring record with your doctor regularly. And make sure that your meter is providing accurate results by checking against the results of a blood test at the lab once a year.