Living a fulfilling life with Diabetes is possible; all it takes is some care and attention. The information in this section will help you to understand how to live with this disease.

Managing Your Glucose

What is blood glucose?
It is the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood at any given time. Check your blood glucose regularly as recommended by your doctor.

How do you check your glucose?
By using a blood glucose meter. These can be purchased at most pharmacies. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or Diabetes educator on the proper use of these devices.

Why should you check your blood glucose?
It will let you know the level of your blood glucose at any given time. It will also let you know how well you are controlling your sugar levels, and help you to make changes to your lifestyle to gain better control of your Diabetes.

What are signs and symptoms of low blood glucose levels?
· Shaky, light-headed · Nervous, irritable · Confused · Hungry · Your heart rate is faster · Sweaty, headachy · Weak · A numbness or tingling in your tongue or lips

What are signs and symptoms of high blood glucose levels?
· Thirst · Urinate more often · Tired

Tips for Blood Glucose Testing
· Don’t use rubbing alcohol: It may thicken the skin and make it harder to test. Just make sure your hands are clean. Wash with soap and warm water before testing. · Use lancets only once · Pick different testing sites · Use the sides of the fingertips to lessen pain

Living Healthy With Diabetes

Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can lead to eye disease, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. You may need to change your eating and exercise habits and/or take pills to keep your blood pressure at or below 130/80 mm Hg.

Healthy Eating
Ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian to learn about healthy eating. You should follow Canada's Guidelines for Healthy Eating, which includes limiting the amount of fat you eat.

Physical Activity
If you have type 2 diabetes, you should do at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.You may need to start with as little as 5 to 10 minutes per day of brisk walking. If you are just starting to be active, check with your doctor first.

Cholesterol
High cholesterol and other fats in the blood can lead to heart disease and stroke. You may need to change your eating and exercise habits and/or take pills to keep your blood fats at healthy levels.

Weight
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight will help you control your blood glucose, blood pressure and blood fat levels.

Eye Disease
You need to be seen by an eye specialist who will dilate your pupils and check for signs of eye disease. Your regular doctor cannot do this special test in his or her office. Ask for a referral to an eye specialist.

Foot Care
Take off your shoes and socks at every visit (even if your doctor or healthcare team forget to ask you). Ingrown toenails, cuts and sores on the feet can lead to serious infections. Learn about proper foot care.

Depression and Anxiety
These are common feelings in people with diabetes and can negatively affect your diabetes control. Speak to your doctor or healthcare team if you feel you might have depression or anxiety.

Smoking
Smoking and diabetes are a dangerous mix. If you are serious about quitting, your doctor or healthcare team can help. Keep trying; your health is worth it.

Kidney Disease
The earlier you catch signs of kidney disease the better. You must have your urine tested regularly for early signs of kidney disease. Your doctor may prescribe pills to delay more damage to your kidneys.

Nerve Damage
Tell your doctor or healthcare team if your hands or feet ever feel numb or have "pins and needles."

Problems with Erection
Trouble getting and maintaining an erection is a very common problem in men with diabetes. Do not be shy about talking to your doctor or healthcare team about it. They may be able to suggest ways to solve the problem.

*All information from http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/healthy.asp