Diabetes Management

Keeping your blood sugar levels within the recommended range can be challenging. That's because many things make your blood sugar levels change, sometimes unexpectedly. The following are some factors that can affect your blood sugar levels.

Food

With or without diabetes, healthy eating is a cornerstone of healthy living. But if you have diabetes, it’s important to know how foods affect your blood sugar levels. It's not only the type of food you eat but also how much you eat and the combinations of food types you eat. Our team of Family Medicine providers and a Licensed Diabetes Educator can work together to create meal plans tailor made to your specific needs.

Exercise

Physical activity is another important part of your diabetes management plan. Exercise causes your muscles to use sugar (glucose) for energy. Your body also uses insulin more efficiently with regular physical activity.

These factors work together to lower your blood sugar. Strenuous workouts aren’t required; even light activities such as housework, gardening or being on your feet and moving can improve your blood sugar.

Talk to a family medicine provider about an exercise plan. Ask what type of exercise is appropriate for you. Most adults should exercise at least 30 minutes a day at least five days a week. If it has been some time since you’ve been active, the provider may want to check your overall health before advising you. He or she can recommend the right balance of muscle-strengthening and aerobic exercise.

Medication

When diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, insulin and other diabetes medications are designed to lower your blood sugar levels. But the timing and size of the dose determines the effectiveness of these medications. Other medications you take for other conditions can also affect your blood sugar levels.

Talk to a family medicine provider if your diabetes medications cause your blood sugar level to drop too low or if it's consistently too high. Adjustments may be required for the dosage or timing may need to be changed.

Be careful with new medications. If you're considering an over-the-counter medication or a new drug to treat another condition — such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol — ask your provider or your pharmacist if the medication may affect your blood sugar levels. Liquid medications are sometimes sweetened with sugar to cover their taste, and an alternate medication may be recommended. Always check with your provider before taking any new over-the-counter medication, so you know how it might impact your blood sugar level.

Stress

The hormones your body produces in response to prolonged periods of stress can cause a rise in your blood sugar level. In addition, it may be more difficult to closely follow your usual diabetes management routine if you're under considerably increased pressure.

Look for patterns. Track your stress level on a scale of 1 to 10 each time you record your blood sugar level. You may begin to see a pattern. Then, take control. Once you know how stress affects your blood sugar level, do something about it. Learn methods of relaxation, prioritize your daily to-do list, and set limits for yourself. Discuss your stressors with your provider and take advantage of his or her helpful recommendations.

Education

Paul B. Hall is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes through high-quality, comprehensive care and education. Our self-management program provides individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to manage the disease and avoid complications.

We provide care and education for type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, prediabetes, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia through a full range of services, including:

• Assessments to determine individual needs
• Individual and group Diabetes Self-Management Education counseling
• Nutritional counseling, including meal planning and carbohydrate counting
• Free monthly support group held the third Thursday of each month (with the exception of December) at 6:00 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria
• Wound healing services

To schedule an appointment with Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center's nationally accredited Outpatient Diabetes Education Program, call 606-789-3511 ext. 1229. Individual and group diabetes self-management education is offered as well as a free monthly support group meeting.

The more you know about factors that affect your blood sugar level, the more you can plan accordingly. If you're having trouble keeping your blood sugar level in your target range, let one of Paul B. Hall Medical Group’s Family Medicine providers help you with your diabetes management. Schedule your appointment today at www.PaulBHallAnytime.com.