Living with Diabetes. Living with a Diabetic. Bethany Johnston Debra Schroeder UNL Extension Educators & Diabetics
What is Diabetes? T2 Insulin T1 Glucose
The Kicker Balancing Glucose and Insulin Poof! Glucose. Insulin Fast Acting Slow Acting Little boluses can add up
Mr. Pancreas Mrs. Liver Glycogen = Glucose Glucagon Insulin
Rats. Pasta. Carbohydrates vs. Sugar Think about the entire meal. Fat and protein delay sugar absorption. Adjust. Low blood sugars. Exercise. Sugar-free. Really?
What Did You Learn so Far? Insulin makes your bloodsugar go. Glucagon is sugar. T/F Insulin lasts for in your bloodstream. Type 1 can avoid diabetes by exercise and diet changes.
Myths about Diabetes Fat and lazy. Here comes diabetes! Insulin cures diabetes. (I wish. sigh.) Sugar is BAD. Treating lows. (Basal too high, More insulin than food, Exercise, Alcohol, Hormones.) Stop insulin when you are sick.
Myths about Diabetes Strive for perfection. What s wrong with you! Exercise will lower your A1C. I am a bad person when I have high blood sugars. The Food Police- you know who you are.
When to Test When you wake up in the AM Before each meal 2 hours after each meal Bedtime Mid-sleep (occasional 3-4 hours)
$&)@! Where s the Glucagon? Stay calm. Talk to the person. Push the liquid in the syringe into the bottle. Mix gently. Redraw your syringe (no air bubbles). Inject in thigh. Monitor blood sugar.
Hello, 289. Where did you come from? Food Illness or infections Stress Medications Weak insulin (too hot, too cold, too old) Bad infusion set, kinks, leaky site Check for ketones. Could save your life!
I m Not Alone I love Kerri. Sixuntilme.com www.dlife.com Bested by a Can of Soup. http://www.dlife.com/diabetesfood-and-fitness/carb_counting/scott_johnson/grams-of-carbs
High Blood Glucose (Sugar) Diabetes: Important to know your blood glucose (blood sugar) level, whether you have been diagnosed with diabetes or not. Fasting blood glucose level: 70-99 mg/dl desirable level 100-125 mg/dl prediabetes Above 126 mg/dl - diabetes
Know how. Know now.
My Choose My Plate
Look for foods with fiber
Cut Back on Fats, Sugars and Salt Limit foods high in sodium, added sugars, and refined grains
Recipe Makeover Original Apple Crisp 9 apples 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1½ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup butter New Apple Crisp 9 apples ¼ cup plus ¼ cup Splenda ¼ cup plus ¼ cup sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon ½ cup trans-fat-free margarine ¾ cup all-purpose flour ¾ cup old-fashioned oatmeal
Recipe Makeover Original Apple Crisp Yield: 12 Servings Serving size: 2/3 cup Exchanges per serving: 3 carbs, 2 fat Per serving: Calories: 270 Carbs: 41g Fat: 12g Fiber: 2g New Apple Crisp Yield: 15 Servings Serving size: ½ cup Exchanges per serving: 2 carbs, 1 fat Per serving: Calories: 170 Carbs: 26g Fat: 7g Fiber: 2g
Who is the Gatekeeper? What is your role when someone you love has diabetes? Sorry there is no one-size-fitsall answer. This is a disease that lasts for a lifetime; you both must be prepared for the future. But there are a few hints that we will share that have worked for others
Diabetic Learn to recognize early signs of high and low blood levels Self monitor Adjust management plan Have emergency sources available Mood Swings Spouse Learn to distinguish spouses normal behavior from high and low levels Be suspicious of low blood glucose levels Avoid hassling your spouse Be prepared
Dependency Diabetic You are responsible for your own actions and reactions Don t expect your spouse to be your pancreas Learn how to express your needs so that your partner can hear them Spouse Don t confuse love and caring and support with an enveloping behavior Take the responsibility for starting communications Discuss your needs as an individual and as a marital partner Remember it takes time
Denial Diabetic Give yourself time Learn as much as you can You are responsible for handling your own diabetes Tell your spouse how much you appreciate his or her support Spouse Recognize that you can not make your spouse face up to his/her diabetes Offer love and support Participate actively and openly Be patient and supportive
Don t accuse someone of cheating on their diet Respect your loved one s privacy Be flexible in your attitude about food Refrain from teasing Should you be eating that?
Know how. Know now. Should you be eating that? Put your self in the other person s shoes Don t immediately blame dietary indiscretions for a bad check-up Set a good example Let go
Some Practical Tips If weight is the problem, follow a weight-loss program together. As the support person consider making lifestyle changes yourself. Find ways to exercise regularly, like taking a daily walk together, join a gym.
Some Practical Tips A diet that s healthy for people with diabetes is a diet that is healthy for everyone. Store appropriate foods in the pantry and keep inappropriate items out of the house. Stay involved, but do not take over control of managing the disease.
Some Practical Tips Remember depression can be treated through improved blood sugar control, medication, and counseling. Don t nag. Instead let your spouse know that you are worried about specific issues.
Some Practical Tips Let your sensitivity help build a bridge between you. Try using the closeness that only the two of you share. Express appreciation and admiration for the way your spouse is managing the difficult job of diabetes care.
Idea sharing what works
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