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Diabetes & Diabetes Control

Diabetes is a condition where the amount of sugar in your blood is higher than normal. This is because your body cannot make the hormone called insulin or only produces small amounts of it.

There are two types of diabetes; Type I is insulin- dependent and Type 2 is non- insulin dependent. People with Type I diabetes make very little or no insulin at all and need insulin by injection. They also need a healthy eating plan to control their diabetes, People with Type 2 diabetes still make insulin, but the production is slow or the body cannot use the insulin. They can be treated with a healthy eating plan but tablets and insulin may be also be needed.

Type I diabetes usually develops at a younger age and the symptoms are more obvious. Type 2 diabetes develops slowly over many years without obvious symptoms. Both types of diabetes are life-long conditions. You will need to take extra care to control your blood glucose levels to avoid long term damage to your body. Your eyes, heart, kidneys and feet are especially important. 

EXTRA CARE 

  Eyes - damage to the blood vessels at the back of the eye can cause blindness. Have your eyes checked by a specialist as advised by your doctor.

  Head - damage to the heart vessels can cause heart attacks. Reduce fat in your diet, control your weight, exercise regularly and don't smoke.

Kidneys - high blood pressure can damage your kidneys. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Feet - damage to the blood vessels in the feet can cause poor blood supply and loss of feeling. Take care of your feet every day. 

YOUR FEET

  Wash and dry your feet everyday. Apply a moisturiser if they are dry or cracked. Quins Unichem Gore Pharmacy can recommend a suitable one

Use your hands to feel your feet everyday and look for discoloured skin, cuts, blisters, sore or wet soggy skin. Use a mirror if you can not see the soles of your feet. Have your feet checked by a podiatrist if you have any problems.

Wear comfortable fitting shoes with strong soles. Cut toe nails according to the shape of your toes, not straight across. Don't use corn removal products as they are too harsh.

Exercise regularly to improve circulation to your feet.

SICK DAY MANAGEMENT 

Illnesses like colds, flu, vomiting and diarrhoea can cause your blood sugar levels to rise.

What to Do: 

1. Keep taking your tablets or using your insulin. Follow the special instructions given to you by your doctor or diabetes nurse as your body may need more insulin than normal. If you are taking the drug metformin, stop taking it if you have diarrhoea, vomiting or can't eat.

2. Test your blood sugar level at least 4 times a day. If you use insulin and your blood sugar levels stay over 15, then test your urine for ketones. Adjust the dose of your short-acting insuhn. If you still have ketones in your urine, see your doctor or diabetes nurse specialist for more advice.

3. Keep drinking lots of fluids.

SELF CARE

Store insulin you are using at room temperature - injections of cold insulin may sting. Keep it in its box away from bright light. Store insulin you are not using in the fridge away from the freezing coil.

Wash your hands before testing your blood sugar. Warm them first in lukewarm water or shake them vigorously.

Prick the edge of your finger as this area is less painful than the middle.

Adjust your insulin dose as instructed by your doctor if you are going to do any extra physical activity. This is because your body will use up extra sugar.

Take an extra supply of insulin when travelling in case of breakage. Carry insulin in your hand luggage.

You can reuse your syringe if you recap it immediately after use. Throw away the syringe if it becomes contaminated. Recap your old syringes and put them in a plastic non see-through container. Take this container to your local diabetes clinic when it is full. 

If you take tablets and miss a dose, don't take two the next time or this may cause your blood sugar to become very low.

Eat foods low in sugar, salt and saturated fats. Fat content  should be under lOg per lOOg or 100 ml of product.

Be aware that not all natural products are sugar- free. Fruit juices also contain a lot of sugar.

Limit alcohol intake as it can affect your blood sugar level. If you have a drink, have it with food.

Check with your Self Care Pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines.

SIGNS OF A HYPO 

pale, sweaty, cold and clammy skin

dizziness and confusion

double or fuzzy vision

shallow breathing 

Learn to recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia or a 'hypo' (ie very low blood sugar). Always carry glucose tablets in case of an emergency (available from Quins Unichem Gore Pharmacy).

If you have frequent 'hypos', contact your diabetes nurse specialist or doctor for further advice.