The Basics
Who can help you manage your diabetes?
- You
- Your family
- Your doctor
- Your community
- Your diabetes team
What macronutrient found in food raises your blood sugar?
Carbohydrates
Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor blood flow therefore it is a good idea to inspect these body parts daily.
Your feet.
What is the target range for blood sugars first thing in the morning?
4.0 - 7.0 mmol/L
The inventors of insulin used as a medication were from what country?
Canada
What are the 3 ways you can manage your diabetes?
A good strategy for healthy eating is to fill half your plate with this food group.
Non-starchy vegetables.
To prevent vision loss, people with diabetes should do what?
Have an annual eye exam.
This lab test measures your average blood sugar over the past 3 months.
HgbA1C
Having to use insulin means you are not taking care of your diabetes properly - TRUE or FALSE.
FALSE
What is the hormone your pancreas produces to help control blood sugar levels?
Insulin
What is commonly added to food to make it taste good that can raise your blood pressure?
Sodium
What is the target blood pressure for a person with diabetes?
130/80
Continuous glucose monitor.
How many minutes a week of exercise are recommended ?
150 minutes
What are some signs of a low blood sugar?
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Shakiness
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
- Hunger
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
What nutrient helps to lower both blood sugars and control cholesterol levels?
Fibre
What are some common issues with dental health that can occur when your blood sugars are too high?
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Yeast infections
- Dry mouth
- Delayed healing or infections
Lab tests called an eGFR and albumin to creatinine ratio monitor your _____ function?
Kidney
What is the estimated percentage of the Canadian population with all forms of diabetes (diagnosed and undiagnosed)?
30%
What are some things that affect or increase your blood sugars?
- Carbohydrate containing foods
- Smoking
- Illness or infection
- Skipping or forgetting diabetes medication
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Inadequate sleep
- Other medications like steroids
What should you eat or drink to treat a low blood sugar?
- 2/3 c juice, pop
- 4 glucose tabs
- 6 life savers
- 2 sleeves of rockets
- 1 tablespoon of white sugar or honey
About 1/3 of people who have had diabetes for more than 10 years will develop this complication
Reduced kidney function - have it checked by completing you annual lab work.
What are the benefits of monitoring your blood sugars?
- Let you know if you have a high or low blood sugar level
- Shows how your lifestyle and medication affect your blood sugar levels
- Helps you and your healthcare team make decisions on your diabetes management
How do you say safe when you have diabetes and are sick or at risk of dehydration?
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Prevent low blood sugars
- Check blood sugars more often
- Some people will also have to adjust their insulin or temporarily stop some of their medications