1. Managing Diabetes All About Blood Glucose

2. Topics What affects blood glucose levels? What blood glucose tests are important for people with diabetes? What are the recommended targets?

3. Blood Glucose Keeping your Blood Glucose in the recommended target range can prevent or delay the long- term health problems caused by diabetes

4. Blood Glucose Blood glucose levels rise and fall throughout the day

5. Blood Glucose What makes blood glucose rise? –More food or more carbs than usual –Inactivity –Not enough diabetes medications –Side effects of other medications –Infection or illness such as a cold or flu –Stress –Changes in hormone levels

6. Blood Glucose What makes blood glucose fall? –Less food or more carbs than usual –Missing a meal or snack –Drinking alcoholic beverages, especially on an empty stomach –Extra activity –Too much diabetes medications –Side effects of other medications

7. Blood Glucose Tracking your blood glucose Two Tests: –Using a blood glucose meter to learn what your blood glucose is at a particular moment any day –Getting an AIC blood check at least twice a year

8. Blood Glucose What are the blood glucose targets for people with diabetes?

9. Blood Glucose Using a meter Results tell you how well your diabetes care plan is working Use results to make decisions about food, activity and medications See patterns that help you and your provider adjust your care plan

10. Blood Glucose Using a meter Many people check several times a day Many meters are available Talk to your provider about meters and when and how frequently to check your blood glucose

11. Blood Glucose Recording your results Helps you see patterns Share with your health care provider Ask your provider for a log book or record book (see sample log page in “Your Diabetes Survival Guide”)

12. Blood Glucose Log

13. High Blood Glucose If your blood glucose is too high? Make notes in your record book (what time? what did you eat? how active were you? etc.) Talk to your health care team about adjustments to your meal plan, physical activity or medications

14. Low Blood Glucose If your blood glucose is too low? Called hypoglycemia When blood glucose drops below 70

15. Low Blood Glucose Low blood glucose symptoms: –Hunger –Nervousness and shakiness –Sweating –Light-headedness –Sleepiness –Confusion –Anxiety

16. Low Blood Glucose Treating low blood glucose Check your blood glucose level; if below 70 eat one of following: 2 to 5 glucose tablets ½ cup (4 ounces) of fruit juice ½ cup (4 ounces) of regular soft drink 6 to 8 ounces milk 5 to 7 pieces hard candy 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey

17. Low Blood Glucose Re-check your blood glucose level after 15 minutes; if still below 70 have another serving. Repeat these steps until your blood glucose is at least 70.

18. Low Blood Glucose If your blood glucose is frequently too low? Make notes in your record book (what time? what did you eat? how active were you? etc.) Talk to your health care team about adjustments to your meal plan, physical activity or medications

19. Blood Glucose – A1C Your other blood glucose test: A1C Provides average blood sugar for the past 2-3 months Recommended level of below 7 for most people with diabetes Measure at least two times each year

20. Review How can you keep track of your results and your targets?

21. More Help Diabetes Learning Center For people who are recently diagnosed with diabetes, or those needing basic information. Online at diabetes.org/learningcenter

22. Diabetes Learning Center

24. For More Information For more information about diabetes please call 1-800-DIABETES or visit diabetes.org

25. For More Information Contact your local ADA at 1-888-DIABETES to learn about activities and volunteer opportunities in your community