How to Handle Blood Sugar Problems

Blood sugar problems don't always mean diabetes. Hypoglycemia is when your glucose levels are lower than normal. A temporary form of diabetes can also develop during pregnancy, and it usually disappears after the baby is born. With a little knowledge and help from your doctor, blood sugar issues can be controlled.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Handling Diabetes

1. Talk to your doctor if you suspect your blood sugar is out of control. Once you are diagnosed with either Type I or II, your doctor will guide you through the necessary lifestyle changes.
2. Research your condition. Chances are, you'll have a lot of questions. The American Diabetes Association is a major resource for diabetic information.
3. Learn how your body reacts to certain foods and how to alter your diet. This will affect your shopping, cooking, dining out and your weight.
4. Check your blood sugar often according to your doctor's directions. This will give you an idea if you need to alter your medication and/or diet.
5. Keep a list of everything you eat and keep track of the allotted amount of food groups.
6. Exercise regularly. Even walking can help keep your blood sugar regulated.
7. Keep snacks handy. If you feel your blood sugar dropping, eat.

Handling Hypoglycemia

8. Follow the guidelines your doctor gives you regarding dietary changes. Even though you have low blood sugar, it is important to reduce your sugar and carbohydrate intake.
9. Pay attention to what your body is telling you regarding what foods you eat and how it reacts to them.
10. Keep a list of foods you eat. Eliminate those foods that seem to offend your body, such as sugar, white flour and tobacco.
11. Keep snacks handy to keep your sugar regulated.

Handling Gestational Diabetes

12. Realize that gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy. If it goes untreated, it can harm your baby.
13. Learn how to change your diet according to the American Diabetic Association recommendations and make healthful food choices.
14. Check your blood sugar often to make sure it is under control.
15. Exercise regularly. Even walking can help keep your blood sugar regulated.
16. Compose a list of everything you eat and keep track of the allotted amount of food groups.
17. Keep snacks handy. If you feel your blood sugar dropping, eat.

Tips & Warnings

• Being overweight can aggravate your diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes can lead to large babies.
• If you had gestational diabetics during your first pregnancy, you'll probably have it during your others.
• Many women who develop gestational diabetes could have type-2 diabetes later. However, lifestyle changes can prevent a reoccurence.