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LIVING WITH DIABETES - DIABETES CHECKLIST
This article is an
excerpt from the book Living Well with
Diabetes from the Cleveland Clinic
Foundation.
Here is a summary of
the guidelines that will help you manage your
diabetes for a lifetime of good health.
-
Plan what you eat and follow
a balanced meal plan. See your dietitian at
least once every one to two years.
-
Exercise at least three to
four times a week for 20 to 40 minutes each
session.
-
Follow your medication
schedule as prescribed by your doctor.
-
Know what medications (brand
and generic names) you are taking and how
they work.Always keep a list of your
medications with you.
-
Test your blood glucose
regularly, as recommended by your health
care provider and more often when you're
sick.
-
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.
-
Test your urine for ketones
when your blood glucose is over 300 mg/dl.Test
your urine more often when you're sick.
-
Record your blood glucose and
urine ketone test results.Bring your log
book with you to all of your doctor's
visits.
-
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.
-
Have a glycosylated
hemoglobin test (HbA1c) four times a year or
as recommended.
-
Have an eye exam (including a
retinopathy screening test) and urinalysis
test once a year, or as recommended by your
doctor.
-
Have your cholesterol and
triglyceride levels checked (lipid profile
test) once a year.
-
Have a dental exam every six
months.
-
If you have any signs of
infection, call your doctor or health care
provider.
-
Practice good foot and skin
care.
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DO NOT SMOKE!
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Try to manage stress as best
as you can. Attend a stress management
workshop to help you learn better coping
methods.
-
Discuss travel plans with
your doctor, and make sure to bring enough
medication and supplies with you on your
trip.
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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.
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