Looking after your diabetes!

I’m Deborah Susan, a dietician and personal trainer specializing in nutrition and physical fitness for diabetics. Today I shall write on how you can look after your diabetes and continue to lead a healthy, normal and fruitful life.

Looking after your diabetes

The secret to continued good health and fruitful life despite diabetes lies in regular testing of your blood glucose, not missing any prescribed glucose tablets or insulin dosage and a healthy lifestyle. Today I will concentrate on how you can monitor your blood glucose.

Monitoring your blood glucose levels (Glucose testing strips)

The key to keeping your blood glucose levels or (sugar levels as it is commonly known), under control is to keep your sugar level within the recommended range of 4 to 7 millimoles per liter. Only regular monitoring with diabetic strips can help you achieve this.

Measuring your own blood glucose levels is quite easy if you have a good quality branded digital blood glucose monitors. If you don’t have one the neighborhood chemist or any online website specializing in diabetes monitoring tools can help you.

When it comes to glucose monitors, accuracy is the key, so do not buy cheap Chinese glucose monitors. Our own branded blood glucose test meter (glucometers) is highly accurate and usually cost between $50 and $75. In addition to the glucometer, you will also need a box of test strips ($40~$60) and a pack of Lancets ($15~$25). The diabetic test strip and lancets are to be replenished as and when required. Replace the battery in the Glucometer as and when required. If the blood sugar meters does not have a battery level indicator you should replace the battery in the glucometer every six months or so. A weak battery can induce faulty results.

Tip: Buy a blood glucose test strips that has a large digital readout, adequate memory and battery indicator.

When and how often you use the blood sugar monitors depends on your treatment, the food you consume and level of physical activity. Apart from regular testing at home, you should also do an HbA1c test every six months. This test is done at your local diabetes clinic and the result gives you an overall picture of your blood glucose levels. HbA1c test results should be as close to 7% (or below). Even a tiny fraction above 7% should be brought to the attention of your doctor.

You can keep your blood glucose under control by:

1) Eating regular small healthy diabetic diet meals so as to avoid major fluctuations in your blood glucose levels.

2) Including adequate levels of physical activity so the insulin in your body works more effectively.

3) Reducing any excess body fat by regular checkup with body fat monitor. (Include half yearly body fat analysis in your health plan/ schedule).

4) Take your diabetes (and any other prescribed) tablets and diabetes supplements according to the schedule given to you.

5) Monitor your blood glucose levels and learn to adjust your treatment according to the results.

Typefreediabetes offers a full line of diabetic testing supplies, including incontinence diapers; supplements for diabetes, portion control plates, glucose tablets, blood glucose monitors, durable diabetes medical equipment, blood glucose test meter and automatic blood pressure monitor and many other home health care products and supplies. Typefreediabetes offers quality products at discounted prices on a wide selection of quality name brand equipment and supplies.

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