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Reach Your Blood Sugar Goal . . .

Tips to Control Blood Sugar

To Start

• Test your blood sugar.  Ask your health care provider when and how often.
• Keep a record of your blood tests, medicines, and daily events.  Review the record with your health care provider.
• Take your diabetes medicine as prescribed.
• Eat foods to control your blood sugar.  See a dietitian to create a meal plan that is right for you.
• Get physical activity.  If you haven't been active, start slowly.  Good activities are walking and swimming.
• Check your feet for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling.  Call your health care provider right away about any sores that won't heal.

To Keep in Mind Along the Way

• Stay at a weight that is right for you.  Ask your health care provider what you should weigh.
• Treat low blood sugar quickly with special tablets or gel made of glucose.
• Don't smoke.  Talk to your health care provider about ways to quit.
• Learn more about diabetes and diabetes self-care.  Ask your health care provider to suggest a dietitian and a diabetes educator to help you manage your diabetes.
• Seek support from family and friends or join a diabetes support group.  Call your local hospital or health department to find a support group.

To Do With Your Health Care Providers

• Write down your questions and take them with you to each visit.
• Ask for a hemoglobin A1c test at least twice a year and know what your test result means.
• Ask for regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and other blood fat tests.
• Have your feet, eyes, and kidneys checked at least once a year or more often if you have problems.
• See your dentist at least twice a year.  Tell your dentist you have diabetes.
   
   

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California Diabetes Foundation
 2975 Huntington Drive, Suite 202
San Marino, CA 91108
 USA
 Email: info@diabetesfoundation.org
 
Disclaimer

*NDEP is a Joint Program of the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention