home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- $Unique_ID{BRK02313}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{How Can I Keep My Blood Sugar Level Under Control?}
- $Subject{metabolism blood sugar lifestyle nutrition foods diet exercise
- diabetes mellitus dm diabetic urine ketones ketosis laboratory test tests
- diary home monitor monitors colorimetry administering insulin insulins
- diabetics}
- $Volume{C-7,D-23}
- $Log{
- Diabetes Mellitus*0009802.scf
- The Functions of Insulin*0009803.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- How Can I Keep My Blood Sugar Level Under Control?
-
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- QUESTION: I am fighting a battle with diabetes. Everything I read about this
- disease stresses the need to keep my blood sugar under control. What do you
- consider as the best way to do this? I am determined to maintain whatever
- schedule I must, to keep my diabetes under control.
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: Checking your blood sugar, your urine sugar and your urine ketones at
- home is the best way to know whether you are staying under control. Keep
- accurate records of these test results, along with a diary that describes your
- food and medication intake, exercise periods, as well as any symptoms. Blood
- sugar can now be tested with a variety of home monitors that use plastic
- strips which react with the sugar in your blood, and change color. The
- machine "reads" the color (a process called colorimetry) and translates the
- findings into readings that show the level of sugar. Similar strips also are
- available to detect the presence of sugar in your urine. Home monitor testing
- of blood sugar however, will yield more accurate results.
- If you're a newly diagnosed diabetic, or someone whose blood sugar is
- especially difficult to control, your doctor may recommend that you test your
- blood on arising, before meals, after meals, at bedtime and between 2 A.M. and
- 4 A.M. Once you and your doctor learn your blood sugar pattern and an
- effective way of administering insulin is determined, testing can become less
- frequent. Testing blood sugar before each of the three meals and before
- bedtime is usually recommended. Anytime you have symptoms of high or low
- blood sugar, it's important to check your blood or urine more frequently and
- modify your insulin intake as indicated by the test results.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-
-