Diabetes Checklist

This article is an excerpt from the book Living Well with Diabetes from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Unlimited Diabetic Supplies and shop4diabetics.com are publishing articles such as this as a health resource for diabetics and to provide useful information on the self management of diabetes. Topics ranging from medication and monitoring to exercise and nutrition will be covered.

Unlimited Diabetic Supplies is a Medicare Participating Provider of diabetic supplies for Medicare and private insurance members. If you are a diabetic on Medicare or have private insurance, please visit shop4diabetics and complete the enrollment form to find out if you are eligible to receive no-cost diabetic supplies delivered to your home. Shop4diabetics carries a full range of diabetic testing supplies to help monitor your blood sugar. Arthritis heating pads and impotence devices are also available at no cost to qualified Medicare and private insurance members.

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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 one to two years.

1. Exercise at least three to four times a week for 20 to 40 minutes each session.

1. Follow your medication schedule as prescribed by your doctor.

1. Know what medications (brand and generic names) you are taking and how they work.Always keep a list of your medications with you.

1. Test your blood glucose regularly, as recommended by your health care provider and more often when you're sick.

1. 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 that 180 mg/dl for more than a week or if you have two consecutive readings greater than 300 mg/dl, call your doctor.

1. Test your urine for ketones when your blood glucose is over 300 mg/dl.Test your urine more often when you're sick.

1. Record your blood glucose and urine ketone test results.Bring your log book with you to all of your doctor's visits.

1. Keep your appointments with your health care providers. See your doctor at least every three to four months for regular check-ups if you are treated with insulin.See your doctor every four to six months if you are treated with other diabetes medications or if you are managing diabetes with diet and exercise alone. More frequent visits may not be necessary of your blood glucose is not controlled or if complications of diabetes are progressing.Make sure your health care provider checks your blood pressure and weight, and examines your feet and insulin injection sites.

1. Have a glycosylated hemoglobin test (HbA1c) four times a year or as recommended.

1. Have an eye exam (including a retinopathy screening test) and urinalysis test once a year, or as recommended by your doctor.

1. Have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked (lipid profile test) once a year.

1. Have a dental exam every six months.

1. If you have any signs of infection, call your doctor or health care provider.

1. Practice good foot and skin care.

1. DO NOT SMOKE!

1. Try to manage stress as best as you can. Attend a stress management workshop to help you learn better coping methods.

1. Discuss travel plans with your doctor, and make sure to bring enough medication and supplies with you on your trip.

1. 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.