Tools for Life. Blood sugar basics.

Transcription

1 Tools for Life. Blood sugar basics. OneTouch, Ultra, Ultra2, and UltraMini are registered trademarks, and Delica and DoubleSure are trademarks, of LifeScan, Inc LifeScan, Inc. Milpitas, CA /11 AW A 1 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 1-1

2 You have a life. It s rich with variety, joys, and accomplishments. You also have diabetes. So we re here to keep you doing what it is you do best by helping you stay healthy. This booklet can help you understand why blood sugar is important, how to know what s going on with your blood sugar, and smart ways to make all this new stuff fit the way you live now. Stay connected at OneTouchDiabetes.com 2 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 3 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 2-3

3 Keeping an eye on your blood sugar. Testing with a meter at key times is an easy way to see: If your food and activity choices are working to keep your blood sugar in range or not How well diabetes medications are working to keep your blood sugar in control How illness and emotions, like stress, affect your blood sugar mg/dl Diabetes is diagnosed when your blood sugar is too high. Did you know your blood sugar level changes throughout the day? It s affected by food, activity, medication, and other factors, like stress. To reduce the risk of serious complications, the goal of all diabetes treatment is to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range not too high and not too low Knowing if your blood sugar is high or low, and why, means you can take action to help get it back in range Knowing that your blood sugar is in range lets you get on with what you do best. 4 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 5 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 4-5

4 Diabetes test Why? How often? Goals A1C test (glycosylated hemoglobin test) To check your long-term blood sugar control At least 2 to 4 times a year <7%* What happens after you re diagnosed? Complete foot exam Blood pressure To check for sores or infections A blood pressure reading above 130/80 should be treated Every office visit Daily at home Healthy tissue and normal circulation* Every visit <130/80 mm Hg Lipid profile High amounts of bad cholesterol (LDL), low amounts of good cholesterol (HDL), and other lipids in your blood may increase your risk of heart disease At least once a year LDL* <100 mg/dl Triglycerides* <150 mg/dl HDL* Women >50 mg/dl; Men >40 mg/dl Total cholesterol <200 mg/dl Once you ve been diagnosed with diabetes, your healthcare professional may arrange several diabetes tests. If you haven t had these tests or don t understand what the results mean, be sure to raise the subject at your next office visit. Kidney function Dilated eye exam To check for early signs of kidney problems To check for changes in blood vessels in your retina At least once a year At least once a year Microalbumin Normal Serum creatinine Normal Normal* *American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes Diabetes Care. 2011;34(suppl 1):S11-S61. <70 mg/dl for individuals with heart disease. 6 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 7 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 6-7

5 How blood sugar testing fits in. Poor A1C Average blood sugar Your healthcare professional uses an A1C test to see what your average blood sugar level has been over the past 2 to This chart shows how your A1C result is linked to blood sugar levels.* 3 months. But your A1C result does not show the daily effects of food choices and activity If your A1C goal is 7%, your average blood sugar is around 154 mg/dl. Testing with a meter is the best way to see the immediate effects of factors like food choices on your blood sugar, so you can take But A1C and blood sugar averages do not reflect changes in blood sugar throughout the day. That s why regular testing with a meter is recommended. action to bring high or low blood sugar back into range. Your healthcare professional also relies on these results to assess your individual need for treatment adjustments. 8 7 GOAL % is the recommended A1C goal for most people with diabetes Good % mg/dl * Based on plasma glucose. If your meter measures whole blood, average blood sugar numbers may differ. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes Diabetes Care. 2011;34(suppl 1):S11-S61. 8 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 9 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 8-9

6 Taking an active role. These goals are recommended for most people with diabetes.* Check with your healthcare professional for the target range that s best for you. Blood sugar test results ONETOUCH MY BLOOD SUGAR RECORD A1C Before meals Guidelines Less than 7%* My current reading % 1 2 hours after start of meals Guidelines mg/dl* Less than 180 mg/dl* My current readings mg/dl mg/dl If your A1C is 7% or higher, ask your healthcare professional what you can do to lower it. Don t just test. Test smart. There s a big difference between testing because you know you should and testing because you know why you should. Testing smart means testing at key times to see how well things like your food choices, activity, and medications are working to keep your blood sugar in range. Then acting on your results to bring high and low results into range. Follow your healthcare professional s recommendations for testing. *American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes Diabetes Care. 2011;34(suppl 1):S11-S61. Per ADA Guidelines, this is the goal for people with diabetes, so it may take some time for you to get there. 10 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Stay connected at OneTouchDiabetes.com Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 11 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 10-11

7 Of all the things that affect your blood sugar, food has the biggest effect. Especially foods with carbohydrates (carbs, for short). Your body uses carbs for energy, but they raise your blood sugar higher and faster than other kinds of food. What s more, diabetes is different for everyone, including the way various foods affect your blood sugar. So, the goal is to plan meals with the right portions of carbs for your body. Good food? Good health? Testing smart can help you have it all. You ll soon discover that keeping your blood sugar in range doesn t have to be boring or keep you from eating the foods you love. You ll have new freedom to create exciting menus that you can share and enjoy. Carbohydrates are in starchy food, grains, fruit, milk products, and sweets. 12 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 13 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 12-13

8 Using test results to adjust food and portion choices. Try testing around a meal. Testing before meals can help guide your food choices. For example, a high result before a meal may encourage you to plan a meal with smaller carbohydrate portions. A test 1 2 hours after the beginning of a meal shows the effect of your food and portion choices on your blood sugar. Here s an easy way to see if the food and portion choices at your next meal keep your blood sugar in range Test before a meal.* Test 1 2 hours after starting a meal. If your after-meal test result is more than 50 mg/dl higher than your before-meal result, next time try eating a smaller portion of carbs. You ll soon learn what foods and portions keep you in range so you can make choices that are right for you. Use the worksheets on page 17 to see if your food and portion choices keep your blood sugar in range. *Follow the recommendations of your healthcare professional for testing. 14 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 15 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 14-15

9 ONETOUCH MEALTIME WORKSHEET ONETOUCH MEALTIME WORKSHEET X ONETOUCH MEALTIME WORKSHEET Test before and after a meal: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Try testing before and after your next meal. Test before and after a meal: Breakfast Lunch Dinner What I ate/how much: Test before and after a meal: Breakfast Lunch Dinner What I ate/how much: What I ate/how much: Coffee, hard-boiled egg, 2 slices toast with butter, glass orange juice X Before-meal result: 1 2 hours after start of meal: mg/dl Difference between results? Above 50 mg/dl mg/dl At or below 50 mg/dl Record your test results and what you eat. (See the example to the left.) It will show you if your food and portion choices are working and help you consider what adjustments may help keep your blood sugar in target range. Follow your healthcare professional s recommendations for testing. Before-meal result: 1 2 hours after start of meal: mg/dl mg/dl Difference between results? Above 50 mg/dl At or below 50 mg/dl Before-meal result: 1 2 hours after start of meal: mg/dl mg/dl Difference between results? Above 50 mg/dl At or below 50 mg/dl Comment: Comment: Comment: Oops! No orange juice next time. Try it yourself. For more information, tips, and activities like this, check out your Tools for Life Meal and snack planning workbook. 16 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 17 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 16-17

10 Getting started Exercise your right to feel great! Thirty minutes of activity most days of the week will help get your blood sugar in shape. Talk to your healthcare professional before you begin an activity or program. Find an activity you enjoy, so you can stick with it. For example, walking at a brisk clip is popular because it s easy on your joints and you don t need any fancy equipment. What s walking briskly? When your heart beats faster and you breathe deeper than usual. Wear shoes that fit well and natural fiber socks. Keep your OneTouch Meter close by. Keep a carbohydrate snack or glucose chew tabs with you. The proven positive effects of physical activity can t be overstated. On top of all the health benefits you may know of, like building up your heart health, getting more activity is a great way for people with diabetes to help improve their blood sugar control. Activity boosts your body s ability to use the insulin it makes, which helps lower blood sugar. Not keen on walking? Try riding a bike or check your local YMCA for aquatic programs. Even household chores like raking leaves, vacuuming, or washing the car count as activity. Keep track of your active time and you ll be surprised how easy it is to fit 30 minutes (or more) into your days. 18 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 19 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 18-19

11 Key times to test when you re active.* Try testing before and after a brisk 20- to 30-minute walk. ONETOUCH ACTIVITY WORKSHEET BEFORE YOU START Before After Your body uses up blood sugar when you re active, so it s important to make sure your blood sugar isn t low before starting an activity. Result: mg/dl Result: mg/dl Look for a result higher than 100 mg/dl. If it s lower, eat a carbohydrate snack before you start. Before walking I felt: My test result was: After walking I felt: My test result was: Good High Better High WHEN YOU FINISH Okay In range Good In range Did your activity lower your blood sugar? Sluggish Low Okay Low TO PLAN YOUR NEXT ACTIVITY Edgy Sluggish Use your results to refine your activity plan. For example, you may want Other Edgy to increase or decrease the length of time or intensity of your activity. Other As you become more active, your blood sugar may become more Comment: responsive to activity. So keep it up! TIP If your energy level isn t all it should be, talk to your healthcare professional. Learn more at OneTouchDiabetes.com * Follow your healthcare professional s recommendations for testing. 20 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 21 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 20-21

12 When medications are working properly, you feel better. There are many different kinds of diabetes medications that can be prescribed alone or in combination with other pills or insulin. Generally, medications work to keep blood sugar in control, for example, after meals or through the night. Test smart to see the effects of medication. Your healthcare professional will recommend the best times to test your blood sugar to see how well your medication is working. Be sure to keep detailed records of your results and your medication schedule. Your results will help your healthcare professional: Track changes Fine-tune your medication doses Switch your medication dosage, if necessary, to one that s more effective for you Learn more at OneTouchDiabetes.com Partner with your healthcare professional. Be sure to bring all medications you take when you visit your healthcare professional. This is your time to ask questions about your medications, including how they work and how they make you feel. You can also ask for help with things like ways to remember to take your medications on time. Here are some important things you should know about all the medications you are taking: Medication name and dosage Times you should take your medication How the medication works and why you are taking it Possible side effects of the medication What to do if you forget to take your medication dose at the prescribed time 22 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 23 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 22-23

13 How does stress affect your blood sugar? Knowing if stress raises your blood sugar will help you know what to do to correct the situation. When your blood sugar is Emotions, such as excitement, anger, fear, or a shock, are powerful forces. In fact, they can, depending on the individual, back in range, there s a good chance you ll feel more like yourself. High result? A walk around the block may lower your blood sugar. Stay in touch with your feelings. cause blood sugar to rise. Stressful situations can also make it hard to keep your blood sugar in range. High or low blood sugar might be the reason for an unexplained mood change. It may also be why you can t concentrate or why you feel tired. Stay on top of highs when you feel sick. With diabetes, common illnesses can bring on more than sniffles or a fever. They may cause high blood sugar. If you feel ill: Test according to your healthcare professional s recommendations. Try to take your medications even if you don t feel like eating. If you can t eat solid foods, Testing to understand the effects of stress and illness: When you (or those around you) sense a change in the way you feel or act, test to see if your blood sugar is out of range. When you re sick, it s recommended that you test at least every 2 to 4 hours. And follow the advice of your healthcare professional. Any type of illness, even a cold, can also cause high blood sugar. drink plenty of fluids every hour. Ask your healthcare professional for other sick day guidelines. Learn more at OneTouchDiabetes.com TIP Ask friends and family to tell you if they notice a change in your mood. 24 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 25 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd 24-25

14 There are lots of good reasons to choose OneTouch. The OneTouch Ultra 2 Meter. A fast, simple way to see the effect of food on your blood sugar results. It uses OneTouch Ultra Blue Test Strips, so you can be DoubleSure of your test result. The thinnest needle from OneTouch The OneTouch Delica Lancing System. More comfortable testing.* OneTouch Ultra Blue Test Strips with DoubleSure Technology. They automatically check each blood sample not once, but twice, so you can be DoubleSure of your result. The OneTouch UltraMini Meter. A simple way to check your blood sugar. Available in 6 cool colors. It uses OneTouch Ultra Blue Test Strips, so you can be DoubleSure of your test result. Stay connected with OneTouchDiabetes.com. For more tools, diabetes information, and updates, plus OneTouch Product News and Offers, be sure to visit OneTouchDiabetes.com. *Response from study subjects when asked to compare the OneTouch Delica Lancing System with their current lancing system. 26 Blood sugar basics Tools for Life Tools for Life Blood sugar basics 27 AW A_v.14_P04306B ToolsLife_Guidebook_M.indd /13/11 2:46 PM