Health Care Team
Who is in charge of your "diabetes team?"
You!
Does diabetes affect other parts of your body?
Yes!
What should I keep with me always?
Fast acting sugar for lows
My insulin and how I take it (pens, syringes, pumps)
A way to check your levels (glucose meter, CGM)
Medical ID (usually a bracelet)
What is hypoglycemia?
When you blood sugar level is low, typically below 70 mg/dl.
Can I live my dreams as a diabetic?
YES-just started allowing pilots with diabetes
with some jobs that are not available to us YET: active military, astronauts
Who is on my team?
yourself, your endocrinologists (other answers will vary: parents, siblings, teachers, other doctors etc)
How can diabetes affect you?
It can affect my teeth, eyes, and feet! It actually affects my entire body.
Can emotions impact my glucose levels?
Yes. Stress, excitement, and other strong emotions can produce adrenaline, which can increase your blood glucose level.
What are two symptoms of hypoglycemia?
feeling shaky, weak, hungry, more nervous/anxious than usual, fast heartbeat, sweaty.
Do you have any other symptoms?
Name one kind of short acting insulin
Humolog, Novolog, Apidra, Admalog
(do you know others?)
Who should know about my diabetes?
Absolutely:
Your immediate family-caregivers, siblings
Probably would help you if they do know:
Your teachers-so that they know how to help you if you need it
Your other doctors-your pediatrician, any psychologists/counselors/eye doctors
Coaches-if you play a sport, your coach should know of any medical conditions that may affect you.
I encourage:
Your friends-they can be huge supporters and helpers
What are some things I can do to HELP with managing diabetes?
Exercise-maintain an active lifestyle
Be aware of how different foods affect my glucose levels and plan for it
What is one of the key tools you need to help you stay healthy with diabetes?
What is hyperglycemia?
When your blood sugar level is "high." Typically above 170 is considered "high."
What types of cells in the pancreas produce insulin? (except for us!)
Beta cells
What is an endocrinologist?
A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the endocrine glands, which regulate hormones. (Often treats diabetes and thyroid disorders)
When is blood sugar usually the highest?
About an hour after a meal
What should I do if I am feeling overwhelmed from diabetes?
First--this is very normal-we all feel frustrated on occasion!
Second-talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling
What are two symptoms of hyperglycemia?
Being excessively thirsty, always being tired, weight loss over time, dry mouth, needing to go to the bathroom frequently, ketones, sugary smelling breath
What other symptoms do you have?
Name one kind of long acting insulin
Lantus, Basaglar, Levemir, Tresiba
Do you know any others?
What if I think something is wrong with my dosages/levels/etc?
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ASAP-Caregivers can help with this.
What is the difference in affect from complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates?
Clue:
Complex: Pizza, potatoes, chocolate
Simple: juice, apples, jelly beans
Simple carbs will begin to raise blood sugars immediately, complex carbs take longer for your body to convert into sugar and therefore take longer to affect your blood glucose levels.
(This is why lows should be treat with simple carbs, then supported with a protein)
Is it ok to feel different emotions about having diabetes? (anger, happiness, fear, sadness etc)
YES-and have someone to talk to when you feel overwhelmed.
How do you treat a low blood sugar?
Follow your care plan! Usually the rule is 15 grams of carbohydrates and retest in 15 minutes.
(15/15 rule).
What do you use to treat your lows?
What are the three CGMs currently on the market?
Dexcom, Medtronic CGM, Freestyle Libre