Diabetes is a self-care disease. What happens between doctor visits really counts. The American Association of Diabetes Educators advocates seven self-care behaviors to simplify needed lifestyle changes. Elevated blood sugars are unsafe and cause damage to blood vessels and nerves all over the body. Heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage, blindness, and amputations associated with diabetes can be prevented.

Healthy Eating is the foundation for blood sugar control. It is eating the right amount of the right food at the right time. There is no “Diabetic Diet.” It is about meal planning and knowing what foods affect your blood sugar. Many people are eating the right foods, just too much of them.

Being Active is critical. You can easily put more movement in your daily activities by: raking leaves instead of blowing them, changing the channel instead of using the remote, walking around the room during every commercial or walking the dog. The goal is at least 30 minutes five to six days per week.

Monitoring blood sugar every day is the only way to know if it is elevated or bottoming out. Fasting and two hours after meals testing gives the most useful information. Keeping a written log of blood sugar results and activity helps identify patterns. Targets should be about 100 fasting and 140 or less after meals. You should set personal goals with your doctor.

Medications must be taken as prescribed – every day. You cannot skip drugs if blood sugar is in target. The medication is what helps keep it there. In the event of side effects, call your physician. It is also critical to take your blood pressure medication every day.

Problem Solving – Why is my blood sugar too high? Why did my blood sugar get too low? How am I going to follow my meal plan on vacation? Use your log to evaluate blood sugar results. It is about correcting and preventing.

Healthy Coping skills like finding a support group or learning stress management skills help blood sugar control. Stress causes most people to have increased blood sugars. Emotions such as denial or depression can prevent patients from following treatment plans.

Reducing Risks for complications can be as simple as having an annual eye exam, becoming a nonsmoker, checking feet daily or keeping a doctor appointment every three months.

CDS serves as a bridge between you and your health care provider. GOT DIABETES? GET EDUCATED! Call 327-9440 today to begin your classes.

Beth McKinzie, R.N., has been a Certified Diabetes Educator for over 20 years. She served 23 years in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps and is a member of the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Diabetes Educators. She has been the Clinical Director of CDS since October 2006.