Diabetes Checks
Tweet Diabetes check ups are an extremely important part of diabetes care. There are some diabetes checks that you can carry out at home with others offered by the NHS. These checks are a vital part of weekly, monthly and annual diabetes care. There are some types of diabetes checks that you can carry out at home, and others are offered by the NHS. This includes glucose control, foot care, weight, and keeping a diary. Checks for diabetes is where the individual can really make a difference to their own diabetes management, above and beyond the check ups offered by healthcare professionals. Diabetes check ups for newly diagnosed people with diabetes Diabetes check ups for children are a specialist subject, and parents and children will be taught how to check up on their diabetes by specialist diabetes healthcare professionals. For adults, there are a range of educational courses to help people with diabetes understand their condition. These courses include DAFNE and Bertie for type 1 diabetes, and DESMOND and XPERT for type 2 diabetes. These courses help show adults the type of diabetes check ups needed to ensure good diabetes care. Education should include weight guidance, testing blood sugar, and how to look after your feet and eyes. Daily diabetes check ups Daily diabetes check ups should include feet and blood sugar. Daily foot check ups are essential for people with diabetes. Especially for those with a history of diabetes neuropathy, foot infections can spread very quickly. Checking feet daily is a way to identify problems early. Daily blood glucose testing is not recommended for all diabetics, but Diabetes UK advises that all diabetics should test their blood sugar. Testing and understanding what your blood sugar results mean is an essential way to manage diabetes Continue reading >>
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How To Be A Good Patient If You Have Diabetes | Reader's Digest
Instead, wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you can remove easily. It seems like a simple suggestion, but having lots of buttons or laces can make getting undressed for examinations cumbersome. Loose pants with an elastic waist, a comfy T-shirt or sweater, and slip-on shoes are perfect. Remove socks and shoes, even if your doctor doesnt ask you to Thatll help remind your doc to examine your feet for signs of skin breakdown, hot spots, cracked heels, or ingrown toenails. It's a good idea to follow these diabetic foot care tips . Sometimes your doctors (or their nurses) take your blood pressure and dont tell you the result, but you should know. Ideally, blood pressure for people with diabetes should be 130/80 or lower. If your pressure is higher, it means your heart is working too hard and can indicate an increased risk of heart disease , stroke, and nerve and kidney damage. Take a few deep breaths before your blood pressure reading This will help you get a more accurate reading, especially if you tend to get a little nervous in the doctors office. Make sure your feet are flat on the floor. Here's what else doctors may not tell you about healthy blood pressure . Bring a list of all your medications and supplements Dont forget to list over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbs, in addition to prescription drugs. This will help your doctor quickly determine if youre taking two things that interact badly or if youre taking something you really dont need. It will also clue her in to side effects that may be related to something youre taking. Ask your doctor what blood-sugar reading is too high for you. Typically youll need to call your doctor anytime your blood sugar is over 250mg/dL. Watch for these high blood sugar symptoms . Is there an alternate number you s Continue reading >>
Preparing For A Diabetes Visit With Your Doctor
Preparing for a Diabetes Visit With Your Doctor You are the most important member of your health care team. Your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, diabetes educator, and dietitian are all available to assist and support you in your care. In addition to your daily self-care, it's important to stay up to date with lab tests, screenings, and clinic appointments. Keeping regular appointments with your doctor and getting tests and screenings on time can help you be an active partner with your health care team. When you contact your doctor and other members of your health care team, you should expect them to: Have the most up-to-date information on diabetes treatment. Know how to use that information to make recommendations for your diabetes treatment. Include you and your family members, when possible, in making treatment decisions to help you better manage your diabetes. Explain why they recommend a specific treatment for your diabetes. Explain the reason for lab tests and what the results mean. Review any changes to your care plan to make sure you understand. What You Can Do to Prepare for Your Visits Members of your health care team need you to take part in the following ways: Let them know whenever you have questions and concerns. If you keep food, exercise, and blood sugar records, bring them with you to your visits. Bring a record of the medicines and supplements you take (prescription as well as over-the-counter) to your visits. Let them know at the beginning of each visit what specific things you need to talk about. Tell them when something about your care plan isn't working. Ask questions about any part of your care plan that's challenging or that you don't understand. Some of the things you might want to talk about with your doctor and the other members of your health ca Continue reading >>
Working With Your Diabetes Health Care Team
Your healthcare team includes your doctor, dietitian, diabetes educator, exercise trainer, and pharmacist. But remember, you are the most important member of the team. Your health care team is available to help you manage your diabetes and maintain your good health. NOTE: The American Diabetes Association publishes Clinical Practice Recommendations for health care providers. Standards of medical care for people with diabetes were most recently updated in 2012. Those guidelines, published in Diabetes Care, 2012, Volume 35, Supplement 1. How often should I see my doctor? People with diabetes who are treated with insulin shots generally should see their doctor at least every three to four months. People with diabetes who are treated with pills or who are managing diabetes through diet should be seen at least every four to six months. More frequent visits may be necessary if your blood sugar is not controlled or if complications of diabetes are worsening. What information should I give my doctor? Generally, your doctor needs to know how well your diabetes is controlled and whether diabetic complications are starting or getting worse. Therefore, at each visit, provide your doctor with your home blood sugar monitoring record and report any symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Your doctor also should be informed of any changes in your diet, exercise, or medicines, and of any new illnesses you may have developed. Tell your doctor if you have experienced any symptoms of eye, nerve, kidney, or cardiovascular problems, such as: Blurred vision Numbness or tingling in your feet Persistent hand, feet, face, or leg swelling Cramping or pain in the legs Chest pain Numbness or weakness on one side of your body Unusual weight gain At each visit, Continue reading >>
Your Diabetes Care Team
Your health care team helps you manage your diabetes and maintain your good health. According to the American Diabetes Association, your diabetes care team should include: You: You are the most important member of your diabetes care team! Only you know how you feel. Your diabetes care team will depend on you to talk to them honestly and supply information about your body. Monitoring your blood sugar tells your doctors whether your current treatment is controlling your diabetes well. By checking your blood sugar levels, you can also prevent or reduce the episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) you have. Primary doctor: Your primary care doctor is who you see for general checkups and when you get sick. This person is usually an internist or family medicine doctor who has experience treating people with diabetes, too. Because your primary care doctor is your main source of care, he or she will most likely head up your diabetes care team. Endocrinologist: An endocrinologist is a doctor who has special training and experience in treating people with diabetes. You should see yours regularly. Dietitian: A registered dietitian (RD) is trained in the field of nutrition. Food is a key part of your diabetes treatment, so yours will help you figure out your food needs based on your weight, lifestyle, medication, and other health goals (like lowering blood fat levels or blood pressure). Nurse educator: A diabetes educator or diabetes nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) with special training and background in caring for and teaching people with diabetes. Nurse educators often help you with the day-to-day aspects of living with diabetes. Eye doctor: Either an ophthalmologist (a doctor who can treat eye problems both medically and surgically) or an optometrist (someone who Continue reading >>
Do I Have Diabetes? Know The Warning Signs
Diabetes is a serious, yet common medical condition. If you have diabetes, you need to manage your blood sugars and regularly monitor them to be sure they are within their target range. There are a few types of diabetes, though the main two types are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They differ due to the cause. You may have sudden symptoms of diabetes, or a diagnosis may surprise you because the symptoms have been gradual over many months or years. Diabetes symptoms may occur over time or they may appear quickly. The various types of diabetes may have similar or different warning signs. Some general warning signs of diabetes are: Other warning signs of type 1 Type 1 diabetes is generally diagnosed in children and young adults, though it can occur at any age. A child may experience these additional symptoms: sudden, unintentional weight loss wetting the bed after a history of being dry at night a yeast infection in a prepubescent girl flu-like symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, breath that smells like fruit, problems breathing, and loss of consciousness Flu-like symptoms are caused when undiagnosed diabetes causes ketones to build up in the bloodstream. This condition is called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical treatment. Learn more: Diabetic ketoacidosis » Other warning signs of type 2 You may not notice sudden symptoms of type 2 diabetes, but the warning signs listed above may alert you to an underlying condition. You may be diagnosed with diabetes because you go to the doctor for: persistent infections or a slow-healing wound complications that are associated with prolonged high blood sugar levels, such as numbness or tingling in your feet heart problems You may never experience obvious warning signs at all. Diabete Continue reading >>
Diabetes: When To Call The Doctor
Taking care of your diabetes includes knowing when to call a doctor and get medical help. As you learn more about diabetes, you'll become more confident about knowing when to call for help. Even if you're managing your diabetes on your own, it's a good idea to tell your mom or dad when you're feeling sick or having any symptoms that might be related to your diabetes. Having this parental support can be a huge help. Your mom or dad can help you get in touch with your doctor to prevent things from getting serious or even take you to the emergency department if you need it. If you're having a problem, start by checking your diabetes management plan. The plan can give you ideas on when and where to call for help. For many medical problems, it's best to start by calling your primary doctor, like your pediatrician or family doctor. In some cases, though, your diabetes management plan might advise you to call someone else on your diabetes health care team. If you need to see a doctor or get medical care, health care professionals may ask about: your symptoms, like whether you've been throwing up or feeling more tired than usual any prescription medications you're taking and the phone number of your pharmacy If you have time, it can help to write down this info before you visit the doctor. If you're ill, especially if the illness causes fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, or if your ability to eat or drink has been affected, call your doctor. You should also let your doctor or diabetes health care team know if you: have had a significant injury (more than a minor cut, scrape, or bump) have been prescribed new medications for another health problem (some medications may affect blood sugar levels) If you think a situation is an emergency, tell someone to call 911 or help you Continue reading >>
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Frequent Doctor Visits Linked With Better Control
Frequent Doctor Visits Linked With Better Control Most people who have diabetes are likely familiar with the steps that are important to blood glucose control, including checking blood glucose levels frequently to discover patterns and take corrective actions, getting an adequate amount of exercise, maintaining a healthful diet, and getting plenty of sleep. Now, new research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicates that, in people with poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes , another factor may be linked with achieving blood glucose control: frequent visits with their primary-care provider. Other than recommending that A1C (an indicator of blood glucose control) be checked every three months, there are few official guidelines that directly address how often people with diabetes should see their doctors. To determine whether visit frequency is related to improvement in health markers such as A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels all associated with the risk of complications researchers from Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston looked at 26,496 people with Type 2 diabetes and elevated A1C, blood pressure, and/or cholesterol levels who had been treated by primary-care doctors between 2000 and 2009. The relationship between frequency of visits and the time it took to control blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol was assessed. Control was defined as an A1C level of less than 7%, a blood pressure of less than 130/85 mmHg, and an LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or bad) cholesterol level of less than 100 mg/dl. Analysis showed that halving the time between doctor visits reduced the time to reach target levels by as much as 35% for A1C, 87% for blood pressure, and 27% for cholesterol. People who had a doctor visit every one to two weeks achieved control Continue reading >>
Summary Of Guidelines For Patients With Diabetes: Checklist For Your Doctor Visits
Every person with diabetes should visit a doctor at least every three months. Regular checkups allow your doctor to track your condition and, if necessary, make changes in your treatment plan. But what should happen during those checkups? Do you wonder why your doctor orders certain tests? Or what the numbers mean? The American Diabetes Associations guidelines cover all aspects of diabetes care, including doctors' visits. This summary of the ADA's recommendations will help you know what to expect from your next visit. If you still wonder why your doctor has ordered a test -- or not ordered a test -- be sure to ask the doctor directly. When tests should be done The ADA has different guidelines for what should happen on diagnosis, at each visit, every three months, and once a year. 1. When you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor should provide a pneumococcal vaccine for protection against pneumonia, unless you have already been vaccinated. This vaccination does not have to be renewed each year. When you turn 65, however, you should receive another vaccine if you haven't had one in the last five years. 2. At each visit, a doctor should do the following: Ask about your self-monitoring of blood sugar. Ask about frequency and severity of episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Check your weight. Measure your blood pressure. Carefully inspect your legs and feet (including between the toes) for sores. Ask about your medication use. Answer questions about the disease and educate you about self-care. Check on any diabetic complications, including symptoms of nerve damage such as numbness. Ask about your use of tobacco and/or alcohol. Ask you about any lifestyle changes and discuss the consequences. Talk to you about possible stress, de Continue reading >>
When To See Doctor
Early on in the course of prediabetes and diabetes, the fact is that the signs and symptoms can be very subtle and very easily missed. While there is lots going on in your body’s cells, tissues and organs, often there is very little along the lines of signs and symptoms. If you have any of the risk factors for diabetes (see below), yearly check-ups can be critically important for your health. Technically, signs are objective measured characteristics such as blood glucose levels while symptoms are subjective evidence of a disorder or disease. Symptoms may be pain, frequent thirst and fatigue. Early Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes Early diabetes is known as insulin resistance which can proceed to pre-diabetes. Not everyone exhibits these signs and symptoms. If you have any of the risk factors for diabetes, it would be a good idea to stay alert for any of the symptoms. A condition known as acanthosis nigricans, a darkening of the skin, particularly at the neck, armpits, elbows, knees and at the knuckles. If you notice any of this skin darkening, call your physician or dermatologist. This can signal prediabetes or diabetes. Increased thirst and more frequent urination. If you notice that you are more often thirsty and use the bathroom even more frequently than you might expect, make an appointment with your physician. Blurry vision is often a later sign of diabetes, but in some, it may occur early. If you notice any blurry vision, see your ophthalmologist or call your physician. You should also get your eyes checked by an optometrist to see if you need glasses or a new prescription. The factors or characteristics that you should be aware put you at a higher risk for prediabetes and diabetes include:1 Obesity or being overweight. This is generally meant as having a “Body Continue reading >>
Diabetes Doctors: Which Specialists Treat Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that affects a person's blood sugar levels and can require various treatments. Understanding which doctors help treat diabetes can simplify the process, making it less stressful. This article helps people with diabetes to understand the key differences between the various diabetes specialists. It also covers some common guidelines to follow for visiting each of these experts, to ensure you get the most out of your treatment. Which doctors help with treating diabetes? There are a number of diabetes specialists who may be involved in treating someone with this common condition. As each of these specialists has a slightly different role, there are some key things to be aware of before seeing each one. General care physicians A general care physician will often help in the treatment of people with diabetes. Regular check-ups will usually be carried out once every 3 to 4 months. If there is anything outside their area of expertise, a general care physician will frequently send an individual to an endocrinologist first of all. Endocrinologists The most common specialists in the field of diabetes are endocrinologists. Endocrinologists specialize in the glands of the body, and the hormones that are produced from those glands. The pancreas is a gland that comes under the spotlight when managing diabetes. It produces insulin that helps regulate blood sugar. In the case of people with diabetes, insulin is either not produced or does not work properly. People with type 1 diabetes are put under the care of an endocrinologist most of the time. People with type 2 diabetes, who have fluctuating blood sugar levels, will also need to see an endocrinologist. Visiting a doctor for diabetes When visiting a doctor about diabetes for the first time, it is important tha Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar Testing: Why, When And How
Blood sugar testing is an important part of diabetes care. Find out when to test your blood sugar level, how to use a testing meter, and more. If you have diabetes, self-testing your blood sugar (blood glucose) can be an important tool in managing your treatment plan and preventing long-term complications of diabetes. You can test your blood sugar at home with a portable electronic device (glucose meter) that measures sugar level in a small drop of your blood. Why test your blood sugar Blood sugar testing — or self-monitoring blood glucose — provides useful information for diabetes management. It can help you: Judge how well you're reaching overall treatment goals Understand how diet and exercise affect blood sugar levels Understand how other factors, such as illness or stress, affect blood sugar levels Monitor the effect of diabetes medications on blood sugar levels Identify blood sugar levels that are high or low When to test your blood sugar Your doctor will advise you on how often you should check your blood sugar level. In general, the frequency of testing depends on the type of diabetes you have and your treatment plan. Type 1 diabetes. Your doctor may recommend blood sugar testing four to eight times a day if you have type 1 diabetes. You may need to test before meals and snacks, before and after exercise, before bed, and occasionally during the night. You may also need to check your blood sugar level more often if you are ill, change your daily routine or begin a new medication. Type 2 diabetes. If you take insulin to manage type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend blood sugar testing two or more times a day, depending on the type and amount of insulin you need. Testing is usually recommended before meals, and sometimes before bedtime. If you manage type 2 Continue reading >>
Type 2 Diabetes - When To Call A Doctor
Call or other emergency services right away if: You have symptoms of hyperosmolar state, such as: Trouble staying awake or trouble being woken up. Fast, deep breathing. Breath that smells fruity. Feeling confused. You had passed out (lost consciousness), or if you suddenly become very sleepy or confused. (You may have very low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia.) Call a doctor if: You are sick and cannot control your blood sugar. You have been vomiting or have had diarrhea for more than 6 hours. You have a blood sugar level that stays higher than the level the doctor has set for you, for example, 300 mg/dL for two or more readings. You have blood sugar that stays lower than the level the doctor has set for you, for example, 70 mg/dL for two or more readings. Check with your doctor if: You often have problems with high or low blood sugar levels. You have trouble knowing when your blood sugar is low (hypoglycemia unawareness). You have questions or want to know more about diabetes. Health professionals who may be involved in your diabetes care include: A registered dietitian. All people newly diagnosed with diabetes should see a dietitian for help in choosing healthy foods. If you have signs of complications of diabetes, such as nerve problems or kidney problems, you may be referred to a specialist. Learn more about the roles of the health professionals on a diabetes care team. Continue reading >>
Diabetes Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Testing
Thanks to the way diabetes is dramatized on television and in movies, many associate it with its more dramatic symptoms. Many think of the weakness and confusion that comes with a hypoglycemic episode, or the disabilities, like vision and circulation problems, associated with uncontrolled blood sugar. Some may even associate obesity with Type II diabetes. Not everyone with diabetes knows they have it, however. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than a quarter of people with diabetes are undiagnosed. If you suspect you have diabetes, or are worried that someone in your life may have the illness, you should certainly watch out for symptoms, and if you see persistent signs of diabetes, you should seek a definitive diagnosis. The greatest threat diabetes poses is the damage that high blood sugar does to a person’s health over time, and the best treatment seeks to keep blood sugar at a healthy level. Left undiagnosed, high blood sugar will gradually degrade a person’s health. But once it’s diagnosed, a diabetic can begin to safeguard their lives against the disease. Symptoms of Diabetes How do people know if they have diabetes? Many of them don’t know, and they’re walking around with an undetected and untreated health problem. Even if you don’t have any diabetes symptoms, it’s important for you to have your blood sugar tested with your yearly checkup, just to be sure your blood sugar numbers are still in a good range. If you do see the following symptoms—in yourself, or in one of your loved ones—you should see a doctor as soon as possible. All of these symptoms can have causes besides diabetes, but no matter what, it’s important to find out what the cause is so it can be treated appropriately. Because everyone is different, Continue reading >>
How Often Should I Plan On Seeing My Doctor If I Have Diabetes?
How often should I plan on seeing my doctor if I have diabetes? The following guidelines might help you to better plan your appointments and tests: A1c test (if your blood glucose is not stable), blood pressure check, weight check, and foot check every three months A1c test (if your blood glucose is stable) and dental exam every six months Physical exam, comprehensive foot exam, blood cholesterol and blood fat tests, kidney tests, dilated eye exam, and flu shot annually The frequency of medical visits required for your diabetes will vary according to how long you've had diabetes, your ability to adjust your treatment regimen effectively to maintain good blood glucose control, and whether you have diabetic complications or other medical problems that may interfere with your diabetes management. At a minimum, all patients with diabetes should plan on seeing a doctor twice a year. Recharging your motivation to achieve good blood glucose control is an important part of every visit. You should have an A1C test done then, or if you are on insulin, you should have the test done quarterly to see how your blood glucose control is doing. In addition, every patient with diabetes should have someone he or she can contact on short notice to discuss problems as they arise, such as unexplained high blood glucose or sudden illness. This person need not be a physician but may be a certified diabetes educator (CDE), registered dietitian (RD), nurse practitioner, or nurse case manager. Continue reading >>
