Everything you need to know about diabetes management is in this section. Together with your health care team and information found here you’ll have the tools to maintain your health. You will also find information here about diabetes complications.
Managing type 1 diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is a life-long condition that requires proper management, including diet, medications, lifestyle choices, doctor visits, and monitoring the disease for complications. As such, managing type 1 diabetes can be challenging to both those who have it and the people who care for them.
Type 1 diabetes is managed with:
- Insulin replacement through lifelong injections or use of an insulin pump
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and a good understanding of the what the values means
- Learning the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how to manage both
- Following a healthy diet and eating plan
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Keeping blood glucose levels as close to target range as possible
- Effective communication and follow-ups with your diabetes healthcare team
Learn more about managing type 1 diabetes here.
Managing type 2 diabetes:
The aim of management of type 2 diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels as close to the target range as possible, to prevent both short and long-term complications. While much of the day-to-day work comes from you, your healthcare team (doctor, specialists, dietitian, and pharmacist) are essential in proper management of your diabetes.
Tips to help manage type 2 diabetes include:
- Take your medications as prescribed
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet, including non-starchy vegetables, fruits, whole-grains, and lean proteins. Avoid unhealthy fats, sugars, processed foods and simple carbohydrates.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Engage in exercise daily
- Monitor your blood sugar and/or blood pressure at home, as indicated by your doctor
- Understand the potential complications from diabetes, and how to prevent and manage them
- Gain support from your family, friends, or community/online support groups
Learn more about managing type 2 diabetes here.
Managing blood sugar:
A main priority for people living with diabetes is managing blood sugar. It is important to ensure your blood sugar levels are within target, and to avoid both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
It is important to check your blood sugar level, because it will:
- Determine if you have high or low blood sugar at a given time
- Show you how lifestyle, foods, exercise and medication affect your sugars
- Help you and your healthcare team make lifestyle and medication changes
Learn more about managing blood sugar here.
Managing complications:
It takes work to get your diabetes under control, but it is definitely worth it. If diabetes is left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can lead to several different complications.
Diabetes can affect nearly every organ in your body, including the:
Learn more about managing and preventing complications here.
Diabetes Management Articles
Charcot joint: when the foot doesn’t know what it doesn’t know!Charcot joint is a relatively uncommon but devastating complication in people with diabetes who also have neuropathy (nerve damage).
Diabetes can get on your nerves: what is diabetic neuropathy?It is often said that of the complications of living with diabetes neuropathy is the hardest to live with.
Sweats and diabetesSweating is a normal and important bodily function. It helps control your body temperature, keeps your skin hydrated, and helps balance the body’s fluids and electrolytes. However, people with diabetes can experience altered sweat patterns.
Tips for travelling with Type 1 diabetesTaking a vacation requires planning and preparation for anyone, but it’s even more important for people with type 1 diabetes. Thinking ahead about your diabetes management is key to a successful trip, so consider the following 10 tips for travelling with type 1 diabetes.
What are the short-term complications of diabetes?Most people are aware of the long-term complications associated with diabetes, including heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease and nerve damage. However, there are short-term complications that can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Your ‘to do list’ for keeping your heart healthyHeart health is very important for people with diabetes, since there is a higher risk of heart disease than for people who don’t have diabetes.
Travelling with type 2 diabetesGet simple and effective tips for travelling with type 2 diabetes so you can plan a stress-free and healthy trip.
Diabetes and the highs and lows of thyroid diseaseThe thyroid is a clever little butterfly-shaped gland that lies at the base of your windpipe, above the ‘notch’ at the top of your chest bone. People with diabetes have a higher risk of thyroid disease. Read this expert blog to learn about the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease.
Is there a diabetic shoe?People with diabetes need to protect their feet, especially if they have had the condition for some time. That’s because nerve damage (known as “neuropathy”) can cause reduced sensation in the feet. Proper shoes offer support and protection for your feet. Read on to learn more about diabetic shoes.
Blood sugar levels in CanadaControlling your blood sugar levels is key to your overall diabetes management. Read on to learn about blood sugar levels in Canada.
