Seven Things You Need To Tell Your Family and Friends about Your
Diabetes
Submitted by Catherine Schwoerer, CHUC, of
Learning Objectives
1. Define Type II diabetes
2. Describe symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and distinguish the difference
between the two.
3. Describe two ways to control type II diabetes.
Living with diabetes can be a lot easier if your family and friends understand
your illness and the changes that can occur everyday. You, as the diabetic, can
help them understand diabetes by sharing seven simple things with them about
your disease and your health. By sharing these seven points with your family
and friends, they will be able to help you control your diabetes and keep you
healthy. The seven points are the
disease, treatment, medications, nutrition, exercise, symptoms, and doctor.
1. My Disease
I have type II diabetes. That means my pancreas doesn't make
enough insulin or my body can't use the insulin my pancreas makes. Insulin is
like a guard that controls the amount of glucose (sugar) I have in my blood
cells. In a normal person without diabetes, that guard sends out the exact
amount of glucose my body needs as energy for my muscles, cells and brain. As a
diabetic, that guard no longer controls that glucose and my body can end up
with too much glucose (hyperglycemia) or too little glucose (hypoglycemia).
2. My Treatment
As part of my treatment I need to keep my diet balanced, get
plenty of exercise and take my medications so that my body continually gets the
right amount of glucose it needs every day. I no longer have the luxury of
eating what I like whenever I like, or how much or how little exercise I get
every day. I need to check my blood glucose level often and I may have to
change my daily plans depending on what that glucose level is. Something as
simple as a cold or the stress caused by work can change those levels.
3. My Medications
I can manage my diabetes with oral medications, diet and
exercise along with weight control today. However, diabetes is a disease that
can get worse over time, especially if I don't follow my plan. At some point my
treatment will change to where I will need insulin shots to help manage my
blood glucose level.
4. My Nutrition
You may think if I avoid eating sugar and sweets my diabetes
will take care of itself. If it were only that simple! I have been learning
more and more about how the body uses food and how my blood glucose levels
affect what and when I need to eat. I feel much better when I follow my daily
diet plan, so don't be surprised if I can't do a spur of the moment dinner or
go out for a drink with you.
5. My Exercise
My medical doctor will help me know what exercise is best
for me. Dehydration and exercise can lower my blood glucose level so I will
need to check my glucose level before and after exercise. I will need to drink
lots of water while I exercise, and if I'm not used to exercising I will need
plenty of encouragement from you to keep it up.
6. My Symptoms
Despite my best efforts, my blood glucose level can change
suddenly. There are signs and symptoms of both hyperglycemia (too much glucose)
and hypoglycemia (not enough glucose) that I need you to help me recognize. The
signs of hyperglycemia are blurred vision, extreme thirst, headaches, fatigue,
and difficulty concentrating. If you notice any or all of these symptoms please
encourage me to check by blood sugar level right away. The treatment can be as
simple as drinking water or adjusting my eating plan. On the other end of the
spectrum, there is hypoglycemia. The symptoms are extreme hunger, sweating,
trembling and being confused and cranky. If you notice any or all of these
symptoms encourage me to test my blood sugar right away. If my blood sugar is low,
I may need you to help me get sugar into my body fast, a glass of orange juice
or cranberry juice and a graham cracker will help me a lot.
7. My Doctor
In order to help me, you
will need to know the names and contact information for my doctors. Because
diabetes can include many complications including eye disease and kidney
damage, I will have more than just a family practitioner. Ask me to give you a
list of my doctors and their phone numbers. Make sure I have authorized these
doctors to discuss my test results and health with you.
Today people like myself who have type II diabetes can live long and generally
healthy lives. With your support and encouragement, I will be one of those
lucky ones.
References
1. Diabetes Information Including Treating
Type II Diabetes
www.diabetes.com
2.How You Can Help
www.accu-chek.com
3. Diabetes Mellitus and Helping Someone You
Love With Diabetes
www.diabetes.com/diabetes_mellitus.html
e-Learning
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Subject: Type II Diabetes
Submitted by: Catherine Schwoerer, CHUC, of
Objective: To identify facts about type II diabetes
Resources: Accompanying article submitted by Catherine
Schwoerer
Instructions: After reading the article, please circle the best
answer.
1. What happens to your body when you have type II diabetes?
a. You always need to take insulin b.
You can eat anything you want
c. Your pancreas doesn't make enough insulin d. Nothing
2. What is hyperglycemia?
a. Too much sugar in the blood b.
High blood pressure
c. Not enough sugar in the blood d. Low blood pressure
3. Which one is not a symptom of hyperglycemia?
a. Blurred vision b.
Fatigue
c. Difficulty concentrating d.
Confusion
4. What can be used to treat hyperglycemia?
a. A glass of orange juice b.
A couple of graham crackers
c. A glass of water d.
A can of cola
5. What is hypoglycemia?
a. Not enough sugar in the blood b.
A blood test to diagnose diabetes
c. A urine test to diagnose diabetes d. Too much sugar in the blood
6. Which is not a symptom of hypoglycemia?
a. Extreme hunger b. Trembling
c. Fatigue d.
Sweating
7. What is a treatment for hypoglycemia?
a. A glass of water b.
A graham cracker
c. A glass of cranberry juice d.
B and C
8. How can you help me control my diabetes?
a. Take me out for dinner anytime it is convenient for you
b. Ignore any symptoms I may be showing
c. Encourage me to exercise
d. You can't help me-I have to do it all by myself
9. What could happen to me if I don't take my medications, don’t exercise and don’t
follow my diet plan?
a. Nothing b.
I could suffer kidney damage
c. I would need a liver transplant d. I would need a new job
10. What is the best help you can give me?
a. Encourage and support me b.
A piece of cheesecake
c. Sugar-free candy d.
Nothing-I am on my own