Diabetes

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

(Page 3)

Blood test	Diabetic blood circulation in foot	Diabetic retinopathy	Endocrine glands
Food and insulin release	Insulin production and diabetes	Insulin pump	Insulin pump
Insulin test	Islets of Langerhans	Monitor blood glucose - series	Pancreas
Type I diabetes

It is unknown if hypoglycemic medicines taken by mouth are safe for use in pregnancy. Women who have type 2 diabetes and take these medications may be switched to insulin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Gestational diabetes is treated with insulin and changes in diet.

EXERCISE

Regular exercise is especially important for people with diabetes. It helps with blood sugar control, weight loss, and high blood pressure. People with diabetes who exercise are less likely to experience a heart attack or stroke than diabetics who do not exercise regularly. You should be evaluated by your physician before starting an exercise program.

Here are some exercise considerations:

• Choose an enjoyable physical activity that is appropriate for your current fitness level.
• Exercise every day, and at the same time of day, if possible.
• Monitor blood glucose levels before and after exercise.
• Carry food that contains a fast-acting carbohydrate in case you become hypoglycemic during or after exercise.
• Carry a diabetes identification card and a mobile phone or change for a payphone in case of emergency.
• Drink extra fluids that do not contain sugar before, during, and after exercise.

Changes in exercise intensity or duration may need changes in diet or medication dose to keep blood sugar levels from going too high or low.

FOOT CARE

People with diabetes are prone to foot problems because of the likelihood of damage to blood vessels and nerves and a decreased ability to fight infection. Problems with blood flow and damage to nerves may cause an injury to the foot to go unnoticed until infection develops. Death of skin and other tissue can occur.

If left untreated, the affected foot may need to be amputated. Diabetes is the most common condition leading to amputations.

To prevent injury to the feet, people with diabetes should adopt a daily routine of checking and caring for the feet as follows:

• Check your feet every day, and report sores or changes and signs of infection.
• Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap, and dry them thoroughly.
• Soften dry skin with lotion or petroleum jelly.
• Protect feet with comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
• Exercise daily to promote good circulation.
• See a podiatrist for foot problems or to have corns or calluses removed.
• Remove shoes and socks during a visit to your health care provider and remind him or her to examine your feet.
• Stop smoking, which hinders blood flow to the feet.