Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to turn the glucose from food into energy. It is caused when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or to use insulin properly. This results in a higher than normal level of glucose in the blood. The symptoms may seem harmless, but the consequences can be serious, even fatal.
Click here for more information about diabetes. Using a blood glucose meter (also called a monitor) at home is the most common way to check your blood glucose (sugar) level. The meter is a small, hand-held machine that can provide results in seconds. Talk to your health care provider about what is right for you and learn to use your meter from a professional.
Click here for more information about blood glucose testing.Pre-diabetes means that your blood glucose (sugar) level is higher than normal but not quite high enough for you to be diagnosed with diabetes. Don't assume you did something wrong to get diabetes. The vast majority of people who get diabetes do so because they are genetically predisposed to the disease.
Click here to learn more about Pre-Diabetes.Research has shown that preventing or delaying the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes is possible. A major study called the Diabetes Prevention Program proved that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by making lifestyle changes, specifically developing healthier eating patterns and becoming more active.
Click here for more information on preventing Diabetes.Not all people who have diabetes take medication. If you have type 1 diabetes you will need to inject or pump insulin because your body no longer makes it. If you have type 2 diabetes, there are a number of management tools you can use.
Click here to learn more about the treatment options for diabetes.No matter how old you are or what kind of shape you're in, physical activity can do a lot for you whether you have diabetes or not. According to the American Diabetes Association and National Diabetes Information Clearing House being physically active on a daily basis can improve your health.
Click here to see what a physically active lifestyle can do for you.
Healthy eating and weight management is important for everyone but even more critical when you have diabetes. Registered Dietitian and Liberty Certified Diabetes Educator Beth Anderson says there's a critical first step to take if you want to change what you're eating - write it down!
Click here for a list of great resources when it comes to diabetes and nutrition.
If you have diabetes, no doubt the term HbA1c or A1c has become a part of your vocabulary. People without diabetes may have no clue what HbA1c means, but it's an important and common topic of conversation for people with diabetes. Our CDE, Tracy Garstka offers this article to
Know your NumberToday's insulin pumps offer the opportunity for more precise control and can offer the possibility of more freedom, more convenience, and fewer highs and lows. Check out
Liberty Medical's Healthy Living Insulin Pump Center for more information.
Eating right is the first, best step you can take to manage your diabetes. Check out our
Recipes for a Healthy Diabetes Diet for great recipes with an easy to use recipe search by ingredient, course or cuisine.
Eating right and staying physically active when you're on the road can make traveling with diabetes a routine experience. Whether you're RVing for weeks at a time, flying overseas for that dream vacation or just hopping in the car for a weekend getaway, diabetes need not be a problem. Here's a great article about
Traveling with Diabetes.
People fast for many reasons from religious holidays, health reasons, medical procedures, and even for weight loss. There are different types of fasting diets that people follow such as liquid, juice or water. So, the question our CDE has answered is,
Is it safe for a type 2 diabetic person to fast?For people living with diabetes, even minor foot conditions - including blisters and ingrown toenails - can be serious and lead to hospitalization. The CDC reports that more than 60% of lower-limb amputations occur in people with diabetes. Awareness and a comprehensive foot care program can greatly reduce your risk. Here's a great article about
Avoiding ComplicationsHigh blood sugar levels aren't healthy for you or your baby during pregnancy. It's important for you to talk to your doctor about ways to help control your blood sugar level and set up a treatment plan that's right for you. Here are a few Ask-A-CDE answers for pregnant women:
I am 27 weeks pregnant and... I'm already a diabetic, when pregnant would it be wiserMost people with diabetes are prone to complications related to their condition.
Click Here for a list of articles that address the complications sometimes associated with Diabetes.
If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, no doubt you've been advised to exercise. Many diabetes experts tell patients that they should exercise a total of 150 minutes a week. That exercise time will be effective if you decide to devote 30 minutes five times a week or 50 minutes three times a week. The goal is to keep moving! Here are several articles regarding diabetes and exercise:
Diabetes and Exercise - Staying Safe with Neuropathy The Write Way to Exercise Create a Diabetes Exercise Plan