Things You'll Need:
- Cookbooks For Diabetics
- High-protein Snacks
- Snack Foods
- Glucose Monitor
- Insulin
- Medic Alert Bracelet
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Step 1
Learn how to give yourself insulin shots correctly. The number of shots you need depends on your own personal needs and lifestyle.
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Step 2
Rotate sites. Never give two shots in a row in the same place.
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Step 3
Consider an insulin pump if you have poor control, need to give yourself a large number of injections a day, or would like a little more freedom. An insulin pump is worn all of the time and is programmed by the user. While there is more freedom in certain ways, a pump requires diligence on the part of users. Speak with your doctor about it.
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Step 4
Plan a food, medication and activity plan that works for you. Alter and change it when necessary.
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Step 5
Stay diligent about checking your blood sugar. You probably need to check it at least four times a day, or per your doctor's instructions.
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Step 6
Speak with a dietician about a diet that you will follow. Discuss the foods you like and dislike, any religious or ethical restrictions, and so on. If you don't speak up, the dietician won't be able to best assist you.
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Step 7
Lose weight if you are overweight. Losing weight can make a big difference in your treatment plan. You may be able to decrease the amount of insulin you need, or the number of injections per day.
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Step 8
Join a gym, join a softball team, sign up for karate: Exercise and activity are essential to all of us and extremely important for a diabetic.
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Step 9
Take care to plan your insulin and exercise. Exercise is similar to insulin in that it lowers your blood glucose.
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Step 10
Wear a medic alert bracelet or necklace. It is vital that you be identified as a diabetic in the case of a medical emergency.
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Step 11
Speak to your doctor if you are planning a long trip. Crossing time zones will affect your insulin schedule as well as your diet.
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Step 12
Be prepared. Always carry a snack with you. Carry concentrated sources of glucose such as hard candy.
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Step 13
Keep a separate blood glucose meter at your place of work or school. This will make it easier to monitor your blood sugar when you are away from home.
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Step 14
Keep the meter strips in their original container. They are less likely to deteriorate.
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Step 15
Feel free to eat out in restaurants, but watch what you are eating. Avoid huge portions. Share a dessert rather than eat a whole one yourself. Plan your insulin accordingly. If you have already given yourself a shot and the meal is delayed, you may need to have a snack to keep from getting hypoglycemic.
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Step 16
Drink a glass of wine if you enjoy it, but don't overdo it. The American Diabetes Association recommends only one alcoholic drink per day for women and two for men. Too much alcohol is unhealthy for everyone and especially for a diabetic.
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Step 17
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Diabetics have twice the risk of heart disease as the rest of the population, and can't afford the extra risk of smoking.
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Step 18
Keep stress under control. Work to find solutions to problems, learn relaxation techniques, and seek counseling if you need it.
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Step 19
Speak with your doctor if you are diligent about your diabetes program but yet your blood sugar is fluctuating beyond your set parameters. Modifications may be necessary.
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Step 20
Keep abreast of medical developments. Contact the American Diabetes Association for updates in research, new monitoring devices, and so on.
