Blood Glucose Control

Learn some basics about blood glucose control

The basics of blood glucose control
Proper blood glucose control — keeping your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible — can help you feel better, stay healthier and prevent the signs and symptoms of high blood sugar.

But what exactly is blood glucose control?
Blood glucose (or blood sugar) is the major source of energy for your body. Glucose is found in carbohydrate foods (fruits, grains, vegetables) and is carried to cells through your bloodstream. However, your cells cannot use blood glucose without the help of insulin. Unfortunately, many people with diabetes do not naturally produce enough insulin in their pancreas or do not use the insulin they produce effectively. As a result, this sugar (glucose) remains in the blood rather than entering the body’s cells to be used for energy.

Blood glucose control involves using diet, exercise and medications (such as insulin or oral medications) to keep blood glucose levels within the recommended range. Here’s what you need to know:

3 steps for good blood glucose control
1) Test your blood sugar levels several times each day.  Ask your healthcare provider when and how often. 

• Fasting and before meals: 80 to 120
• After meals (about 1 to 2 hours): Less than 160 to 180
• Bedtime: 100 to 140

2) Follow a sensible diet and exercise plan. For people with Type 2 diabetes, regular
exercise and maintaining a healthy weight may forestall the use of medication. For
optimal blood glucose control, you’ll need to adjust medication doses according to food intake and exercise.

3) Work closely with your healthcare provider for help managing your diabetes.

Monitor
Blood glucose control begins when you regularly monitor blood sugar levels. With Liberty Medical Supply’s convenient home delivery services, you can make sure you have the supplies you need for proper blood glucose control — including blood glucose meters and batteries, test strips, lancing devices and lancets, and control solution.See if your diabetes testing supplies are covered by Medicare with one simple phone call to 1-866-373-8971.  If calling is not convenient, see if your supplies are covered online or enroll online. 

Source:
National Diabetes Education Program, and The American Diabetes Association

Diabetic Seniors

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