A Teaching Resource Guide Part 2 of 2

Getting rid of used diabetes supplies Use needles and syringes only once. Then throw them away in a safe container Find out if your state has laws about how to dispose of used diabetes supplies Unless your state says otherwise, get a “sharps” container at your local pharmacy Ask your diabetes care team how to get rid of the container after it’s full

3 steps to starting your activity program Talk with your doctor before you start Choose your activity: Walking Jogging Bicycling Swimming Dancing Set a goal: At least 30 minutes, at least 5 days a week

Planning healthy meals For teenagers and adults, a day’s worth of healthy meals includes at least: 2-3 servings of nonstarchy vegetables 2 servings of fruits 6 servings of grains, beans, or starchy vegetables 2 servings of low-fat or fat-free milk About 6 oz of meat or meat substitutes

Carb counting and diabetes Carbs raise blood sugar more than other nutrients Carb counting can help you: Manage your blood sugar Be flexible in your choice of foods and mealtimes Eat more foods that you enjoy The only foods that generally don’t contain carbs are: Meats and meat substitutes, such as eggs and cheese Fats and oils

How many carbs are in your favorite foods?

Using exchange lists for meal planning Each list has foods that have about the same amount of carbs, calories, protein, and fat The lists come in these groups: Starch Fruits Milk Sweets, desserts, and other carbohydrates Nonstarchy vegetables Meat and meat substitutes Fats “There will be a cure one day; until that time, diligence in watching your diet and testing your blood sugar will play a huge part in combating the disease.” –Russell S., Illinois

Portion sizes count It’s important to eat not only the right types of foods, but also the right amounts Weigh and measure your foods when you first start carb counting and once in a while after that Use your hand to estimate portion sizes: Your fist = 1 cup Your palm = 3 ounces Your thumb = 2 tablespoons or 1 ounce Your thumb tip = 1 teaspoon A handful = 2 ounces (¼ cup) of a snack food

Short-term diabetes problems: managing low blood sugar Recognize the symptoms: Weakness, tiredness Hunger Dizziness or shakiness Nervousness, sweating Fast heartbeat Blurry vision Eat or drink something high in sugar right away, such as: 4 oz of regular fruit juice or soda pop 3 to 4 glucose (sugar) tablets 3 to 5 hard candies that you can chew quickly

Short-term diabetes problems: managing high blood sugar If your blood sugar is too high, you may: Feel very thirsty or hungry Need to pass urine more than usual Feel like your mouth and skin are dry Have blurry vision Feel sleepy Manage high blood sugar by: Checking your blood sugar Following your meal plan Doing some exercise (follow your plan) Taking your medicine as prescribed

Diabetes care plan checkup Make sure you know: When and how to take your insulin or diabetes medicine When and how to check your blood sugar and what the numbers mean Your target blood sugar goals (before meals, after meals, and A1C) What you can do if your blood sugars are out of goal range How to follow your meal and exercise plans When and how to call your diabetes care team

Long-term diabetes problems Over time, high blood sugar can cause problems with your: Heart and blood vessels Kidneys Teeth and gums Feet Eyes Nerves Skin To help prevent these problems, keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible. That means following your diabetes care plan.

Coping with changes in your diabetes care plan Don’t blame yourself Learn as much as you can Think about joining a diabetes support group Focus on the positive parts of the change “Don’t give up. It’s your life we are talking about and your body, and you can be in control…Decide you will do what it takes.” – Sally W., Washington

Time to take charge! You are not alone Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be managed You can live a full and active life with diabetes: Learn as much as you can Work with your team Get support to stay strong!