New to Diabetes

Confusion, fear, anger, and denial are all feelings many people have when they are first diagnosed with diabetes. Testing blood sugar, medications, what to eat, exercise, and complications are all questions that are common when diagnosed.

One of the best resources is a Certified Diabetes Educator to help you learn the basics of diabetes treatment. CDEs are usually Registered Nurses, Registered Dietitians, or Pharmacists who specialize in diabetes. The doctor who diagnosed diabetes can usually refer to a CDE in the local area.

Also, diabetes education classes can help you with an overview of diabetes treatment as well. Again these classes are usually taught by nurses, dietitians and pharmacists and are commonly offered at local hospitals.

Learning as much as possible about diabetes care helps with treatment. Controlling blood sugar, taking medications as advised, following a healthy meal plan, and exercise are all important in treating diabetes.

To find a CDE in your area, ask your doctor or visit the American Association of Diabetes Educators to search for diabetes educators:

http://www.diabeteseducator.org/DiabetesEducation/Find.html

Blood Sugar Goals

Maintaining good control of blood sugar is the greatest goal for someone with diabetes. Blood sugar control can minimize complications such as nerve, kidney and eye damage.

It is important to know what your blood sugar goals are when testing so that you can adjust your meal plan, exercise, medication, etc. accordingly. Blood sugar recommendations will vary based on when blood is tested.

Several organizations have blood sugar recommendations.

The American Diabetes Association recommends the following for those with diabetes:

• before eating (pre-prandial plasma glucose) 90-130 mg per dl
• 1-2 hours after the beginning of eating (peak post-prandial plasma glucose) less than 180 mg per dl.
• A1c blood sugar test (3 month blood sugar indicator) less than 7%.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommend an A1c test of less than 6.5%. You can learn more about blood sugar recommendations by clicking the below link:

http://www.glucomenu.com/articles/diabetes_blood_sugar_goals_avoid_complications.asp