Q. I have just been diagnosed
with diabetes. Do I have to tell
everyone that I have it?
A. Your medical
health is a personal issue. Share this
information with people you feel need to know and can help support you. If a person will make fun of you or make it
more difficult for you to do what you need to do to stay healthy, don’t say a
word.
Q. I don’t understand
my A1C test results. They are confusing.
A. The ADA website
has posted an online calculator at http://www.diabetes.org/AG so you can
convert your current A1C to your new eAG.
Q. I’m a nursing
mother with diabetes. When my blood
sugar level is high does my breast milk contain more sugar?
A. There is a small
increase in the sugar content of the milk produced by a mother with a high glucose
level.
Q. I heard that people
shouldn’t eat chocolate to treat low blood sugar. Is that true?
A. The fat in chocolate slows down its absorption, so it
won’t raise your glucose level as quickly as other foods will. If that’s all you have handy you can use it,
but it isn’t the best choice.
When treating a low blood sugar event, use the 15/15 Rule:
1. Eat 15 grams of
fast acting carbohydrate
2. Wait 15 minutes
3. Test again
4. Repeat if needed
The following items contain approximately 15 grams of
carbohydrate:
½ cup (4 oz) of orange juice
Half a can of regular (not diet) soda
2-5 Glucose tablets (see label)
A small tube (0.68 ounces) of Cake Mate decorator gel
6-8 ounces of skim milk
Two tablespoons of raisins
5-7 Lifesavers candies
Your blood sugar level will begin to rise before the
unpleasant feelings disappear, so don’t keep eating or drinking until the
feelings go away. That will cause your
glucose level to climb too high and encourage your body to gain weight.
- For more great articles by Janis Roszler, visit the e-version of our magazine at walgreensdiabetes.com
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