Diabetes is a condition in which sugar (glucose) remains in the blood rather than entering the body's cells to be used for energy. This results in high blood sugar. Over time, high blood sugar can damage many body systems. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and frequent urination (especially at night)...
Education on type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Includes info on juvenile diabetes and prediabetes. Discusses symptoms and treatment. Also looks at how to manage blood sugar levels, diet, and medicines, including insulin.
People who have diabetes need to be more careful with alcohol. Before you drink, consider a few things: Is your diabetes well controlled? Do you know how drinking alcohol can affect you? Do you have high blood pressure, nerve damage, or eye problems from your diabetes? If you take insulin or another medicine for...
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem for people who have diabetes. Diarrhea that occurs at night is also common. The nerves of the intestines control how long solid food waste remains in the intestines. If these nerves have been damaged by high blood sugar levels, food and waste products may move through...
High blood sugar from diabetes can affect the body's immune system, impairing the ability of white blood cells to come to the site of an infection, stay in the infected area, and kill microorganisms. Because of the buildup of plaque in blood vessels associated with diabetes, areas of infection may receive a poor blood...
Learn the signs of infection with diabetes so that small skin problems don't become serious.
Your name: __________________ Date: _______________________ You can make the most of your office visit by having this form with you when you talk with your doctor. What to bring to every appointment Your blood sugar log. A list of all your medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. Other test results, if...
When you have diabetes, you are at risk for getting other health problems, called complications. This is especially true if your blood sugar levels stay high. Over time, high blood sugar can damage many parts of your body. It can lead to a variety of problems, including problems with your: Eyes. High blood sugar levels...
Learn to live well with diabetes—Discover simple changes for a positive impact on your life. Select a topic: All about Type 1 Diabetes All about Type 2 Diabetes Diabetes Drugs: Interactions & More Diabetes Product Guide Eye Health Foot & Skin Health High Triglycerides Hypoglycemia Metabolic Syndrome Kidney Health...
An illness plan for people with diabetes usually covers things like: How often to test blood sugar and what the target range is. Whether and how to adjust the dose and timing of insulin or other diabetes medicines. What to do if you have trouble keeping food or fluids down. When to call your doctor. The plan is designed...
Know which type of insulin pen you're using. Insulin pens are either reusable or disposable. For a reusable pen, you put the insulin cartridge into the pen. Disposable pens already have an insulin cartridge. Before using cloudy insulin, such as NPH and premixed insulin, gently roll the pen between your palms 10 times...
Here are 5 ways to help kids with diabetes choose healthy foods and drinks.
Describes monitoring blood sugar levels in children with diabetes. Gives step-by-step instructions. Covers how to record testing results and how to prevent sore fingers.
Learning how to manage their diabetes at school can be a big challenge for children. It may also bring changes to their school day as they learn to find time to care for their illness. But it can also be an opportunity for them to start taking more responsibility for their own health. Part of that means learning how to...
Provides step-by-step instructions for preparing and giving insulin shots to a child. Includes preparing mixed-dose and single-dose shots. Links to images for how to prepare and give both types of shots. Explains where to give shots and how to rotate injection sites.
Insulin is normally made by the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach. In children with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes enough insulin or it stops making it. Without insulin, your child's blood sugar level rises to dangerous levels. When this happens, your child needs insulin shots to keep blood sugar at a...
Help your child with diabetes make smart food and drink choices at school.
A diabetes care plan for school is a document that includes information to help the school or day care staff know how to manage your child's diabetes. The goal of a care plan is to meet your child's daily needs and prepare ahead of time for any problems. For example, if your child needs to eat shortly after taking...
A diabetes care plan for school is a document that includes information to help the school or day care staff know how to manage your child's diabetes. The goal of a care plan is to meet your child's daily needs and prepare ahead of time for any problems. For example, if your child needs to eat shortly after taking...
Discusses high blood sugar (also called hyperglycemia) in children with diabetes. Covers symptoms. Offers tips on preventing high blood sugar emergencies.
Camps for children who have diabetes give your child a chance to meet and share experiences with other children who have the disease. These camps help children take responsibility for their condition and gain independence in diabetes care. They also provide a fun outdoor experience. They may include swimming, hiking, or...
If your child takes insulin or certain diabetes pills that lower blood sugar, their blood sugar may get too low at times. Low blood sugar may happen if your child: Takes too much insulin or other diabetes medicine. Skips or delays a meal or snack. Is more physically active than usual without eating enough food. Takes a...
Find out how to support your teen who has diabetes.
It is easy for your diabetes to become out of control when you are sick. Because of an illness: Your blood sugar may be too high or too low. You may not be able take your diabetes medicine (if you are vomiting or having trouble keeping food or fluids down). You may not know how to adjust the timing or dose of your...
Symptoms of diabetes may include: Increased thirst and more frequent urination, especially at night. An increase in how hungry you are. Losing or gaining weight for no clear reason. Unexplained fatigue. Blurred vision.
Here is what you can do to treat low blood sugar. If at any point during these steps you think you are getting worse, seek care immediately. Eat some quick-sugar food, such as 3 to 4 glucose tablets, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey, ½ to ¾ cup (4 to 6 ounces) of fruit juice or regular (not diet) soda pop...
Guides you through the decision to take insulin for type 2 diabetes. Provides info on when insulin may be needed to control blood sugar levels. Covers benefits and risks of insulin. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Briefly discusses high and low blood sugar levels caused by diabetes. Suggests when to check blood sugar levels. Includes info on diabetes emergencies. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Learn how to find solutions to a problem related to how you manage diabetes.
Learn about the A1c test and how to make a plan to meet your safe target blood sugar level.
