BASIC DEFINITIONS:

Type I Diabetes: It usually begins when people are young and it was once called juvenile-onset diabetes. People that are type I must take insulin because they have a complete lack of insulin.

Type II Diabetes: It is found in middle aged and older adults. The body cannot utilize the insulin that their body makes.

Hypoglycemia: (Low blood sugar) This happens when insulin, food, and exercise are out of balance, allowing the level of sugar in the blood to fall below normal.

The symptoms are: weakness, shakiness, hunger, sweating, and can lead to unconsciousness.

Things you can do to bring your blood sugar back up: First of all you need to let people around you know that it is a possibility that your sugar could go low and tell them what to do for you. These are steps to bring your blood sugar back up: Glucagon emergency kits (for Diabetic Insulin Reaction) this is a bottle of glucagon (dry powder), a syringe filled with a special liquid. You need a RX to get this and should carry it with you. You need to show your spouse, friends and co-workers how to use it. This is mostly used when the person cannot swallow or they are unconscious. If the person can swallow Orange Juice is an excellent way to bring it up and doesn't have the bad affect that some others things do, like candy. Any kind of 100% juice will work though. Regular coke or Pepsi. A NOTE TO FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS: If the person is unconscious you need to give them the shot of glucagon and call emergency care or 911.

To Prevent Low Blood Sugars:

Eat Meals on time; don't skip meals; double check your insulin dosage; take your meds on time; check your blood sugars at regular times (mornings, before meals, after meals and evenings); learn to adjust your medication according to what you take in---if you have to reduce insulin amounts do it. Make educated decisions---not guesses. Take classes---read, be informed, and belong to support groups.

Hyperglycemia: (High Blood Sugar) Is a sign that the diabetes is out of control. This happens when the body does not get enough insulin, illness, or even stress.

The symptoms are: excessive hunger and thirst, blurred vision, frequent urination and headaches.

Things you can do to bring your blood sugars down: 

1. Do not overeat, make sure that you are taking in enough insulin for the amount of food you are taking in (calories or carobs.) Carob counting is a popular way for pump users to be able to cover the food they took in (a ratio for insulin to carobs is used and is different for each person.) 

2. Make sure that you check food labels. Some foods have lots of corn syrup in them and that is as bad for diabetics as sugar. So don't eat them or if you use the pump, make sure that you give yourself the insulin to cover it. It is recommended though that you eat reasonably and not eat a lot of sweets or high carobs just because you are pumping OR using a long acting insulin. Remember insulin can have long term side affects.

We believe that a sense of humor is needed in dealing with diabetes: I don't know how many times we have laughed until we cried when going through deep waters. Sometimes it is all you can do.

Managed Care Jokes (Diabetes Mellitus)

HealthlinkUSA (This site has an extensive diabetes links page, also other diseases and health problems listed. Lots of information available.)