When traveling, keep your diabetes supplies with you; never place insulin or other liquid supplies in checked baggage. Make sure that prescription information accompanies your supplies.
Learn more about insulin here.
Today's Tip: Where should you never place insulin while traveling?
Yesterday's Tip: How should I dispose of my used sharps (lancets, syringes, etc.)?
Always place used lancets, syringes, and other sharp devices in a hard, firmly closed container that is clearly marked “used sharps” before disposing of them in the trash — not the recycling bin. Specific guidelines for disposal vary by state.
Learn more about sharps disposal here.
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October 22, 2017: Can I get off insulin with good self-management?
In some cases, people with Type 2 diabetes can reduce or eliminate their need for insulin injections through weight loss, dietary changes, and increased exercise — as long as the function of their pancreas has not deteriorated.
Learn more about insulin here.
October 21, 2017: If you have Type 2 diabetes, how do you know when it’s time to begin taking insulin?
If you have Type 2 diabetes and your HbA1c level is rising despite consistent diabetes control efforts, you may need to begin insulin therapy.
Learn more about Type 2 diabetes and insulin here.
October 20, 2017: Does needing to take insulin mean that I’ve failed at managing my diabetes?
No. If you feel that you have “failed” your diabetes management because you need to start insulin therapy, reassure yourself that it is your pancreas that is failing; this is part of the regular progression of Type 2 diabetes.
Learn more about Type 2 diabetes and insulin here.
October 19, 2017: Why do I need to rotate my injection sites?
When you use insulin, changing the site of injection each time you take it by at least a finger’s width prevents the skin in the area from becoming thick, hard, or pitted.
Learn more about insulin here.
October 18, 2017: How can I calculate my insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio?
Your diabetes care team can help you determine your insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio, or how much insulin you need to take for a certain amount of carbohydrate, by looking at your food records and records of your premeal and postmeal blood glucose levels.
Learn more about insulin here.
October 17, 2017: My blood glucose level often spikes after meals. What can I do?
Substituting foods with a lower glycemic index for foods with a higher glycemic index in your diet will help to reduce your after-meal blood glucose spikes.
Learn more about the glycemic index here.
October 16, 2017: What is the HbA1c test?
The HbA1c test gives an indication of your blood glucose control over the previous 2–3 months and is an important part of your diabetes-care regimen. Because the red blood cells in a blood sample used for an HbA1c test are a mixture of cells of different ages, the test gives a “weighted” average of recent blood glucose levels.
Learn more about HbA1c here.
October 15, 2017: I’m trying to stick with a healthful meal plan, but I’m not sure how much I should be eating each day. Who could give me an authoritative answer?
A registered dietitian can calculate the right number of calories to consume as well as give you personalized recommendations for how much protein, fat, and carbohydrate to eat. If you don’t already have a dietitian, ask your physician for a referral or a recommendation.
Learn more about nutrition and meal planning here.
