Paper is for origami, not diabetes logbooks
I think I speak for many people with diabetes (PWDs) when I say that manually keeping track of diabetes data is a lot of work! Of course, there are a lot of things we do that take work—like brushing our teeth—yet we still do them. Why? Because there are benefits. In the case of tooth brushing, that means bright, white teeth, fewer cavities and a beautiful smile. Keeping a logbook is similar in that there's a payoff and it gets easier once you make it a habit. You can't learn from data that isn't there Years ago, I went to my diabetes doctor empty handed. Unfortunately, I also...
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Pain management
5 tips for gentle and virtually pain-free blood sampling Lancing fingers is a vital part of your daily diabetes management. In a recent study, finger soreness and pain were most reported as the main reason people living with diabetes refrain from regular blood glucose testing. One factor contributing to greater pain sensation when lancing the finger is wrong handling of the lancing device. Lancing correctly with Accu-Chek® lancing devices keeps discomfort to a minimum. You can monitor more comfortably with these five easy steps: ...
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Do Injections Give You The Needle?
Trembling, palpitations, cold sweats, nausea, or even a blood pressure drop: do needles have that effect on you? You can’t get away from it: blood sugar checking and insulin injections rhyme with needle sticks. Yet, the stress caused by a fear of needles can cause your blood sugar to spike, and on top of all that, your skin’s surface can suddenly become hypersensitive—ouch! What a way to make matters even worse! Conquering trypanophobia Trypa… what? Trypanophobia is the extreme fear of needles...
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Start the day off right!
It’s a fact: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In addition to providing you with the energy you need, it helps you keep hunger under control and prevent drops in blood sugar… as long as you limit carbohydrate and fat intake in favor of protein and fibre. Low on time or ideas in the morning? Here’s some inspiration! Yogurt parfaits You’ll love how easy it is to make them: just combine low-fat plain yogurt, nuts and fresh or dried fruits. ...
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Creating a Circle of Support
No one can go it alone. Whether you are living with diabetes or you’re a caregiver, it’s important to have a few options for emotional support. Knowing who to turn to with specific questions will make life easier. Find other people living with diabetes Few things are more comforting than talking with someone who understands you when you are living with diabetes, or if you are facing a type 1 or type 2 diagnosis. If you don’t already have a friend or a family member living with diabetes who can fill this role, seek out a...
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Your Ten Best Food Allies
It’s a fact: not all foods are created equal. Some are dangerously seductive, like this chocolate bar that’s winking at you from the counter. And others are so nutritious and healthy—as well as delicious—that they fall into the “superfood” category. Their best assets: a high nutrient and vitamin content and a low glycemic index. But who are these formidable allies in diabetes management? 1- Beans Like many legumes, beans of all kinds are full of dietary fiber—a considerable asset for someone living with diabetes. In addition to...
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Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia (or “low blood sugar”) occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 4 mmol/L. At first, symptoms may be benign—irritability, mild nausea—but if the situation is not addressed, hypoglycemia can lead to fainting or even coma. Signs Symptoms caused by adrenaline secretion (adrenergic or neurogenic) These symptoms are usually the first to appear and should be considered "alarm bells": Trembling ...
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Teenagers And Diabetes: Diabetes Doesn't Clip Your Wings
Teenagers are building their self-image, experiencing new things and seeking validation from their peers. It shouldn’t be surprising that their lives with diabetes weigh heavily on them. Becoming responsible Teenagers may feel like rebelling against the whole routine surrounding their diabetes management. Blood glucose measures remind them that they’re different and give them the impression of being constantly monitored. They might want to avoid being confronted with the results of a measure so as not to feel discouraged or guilty. Here are some suggestions for easing the tension:...
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Insulin Injections: Breaking Down The Barrier
If insulin injections are part of your daily life, you know how essential they are to managing your diabetes and preventing complications. You also know that following your injection schedule is crucial. If your body doesn’t get enough insulin over the long term, you risk developing serious problems with your eyes, heart, nerves and kidneys. Getting too much insulin could lead to hypoglycemia—extreme cases of which can cause diabetic coma. Despite all this, according to a study conducted in the US, over half of people with insulin-dependent diabetes have deliberately skipped injections at...
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Pain management
5 tips for gentle and virtually pain-free blood sampling Lancing fingers is a vital part of your daily diabetes management. In a recent study, finger soreness and pain were most reported as the main reason people living with diabetes refrain from regular blood glucose testing. One factor contributing to greater pain sensation when lancing the finger is wrong handling of the lancing device. Lancing correctly with Accu-Chek® lancing devices keeps discomfort to a minimum. You can monitor more comfortably with these five easy steps: ...
Read More Do Injections Give You The Needle?
Trembling, palpitations, cold sweats, nausea, or even a blood pressure drop: do needles have that effect on you? You can’t get away from it: blood sugar checking and insulin injections rhyme with needle sticks. Yet, the stress caused by a fear of needles can cause your blood sugar to spike, and on top of all that, your skin’s surface can suddenly become hypersensitive—ouch! What a way to make matters even worse! Conquering trypanophobia Trypa… what? Trypanophobia is the extreme fear of needles...
Read More Start the day off right!
It’s a fact: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In addition to providing you with the energy you need, it helps you keep hunger under control and prevent drops in blood sugar… as long as you limit carbohydrate and fat intake in favor of protein and fibre. Low on time or ideas in the morning? Here’s some inspiration! Yogurt parfaits You’ll love how easy it is to make them: just combine low-fat plain yogurt, nuts and fresh or dried fruits. ...
Read More Creating a Circle of Support
No one can go it alone. Whether you are living with diabetes or you’re a caregiver, it’s important to have a few options for emotional support. Knowing who to turn to with specific questions will make life easier. Find other people living with diabetes Few things are more comforting than talking with someone who understands you when you are living with diabetes, or if you are facing a type 1 or type 2 diagnosis. If you don’t already have a friend or a family member living with diabetes who can fill this role, seek out a...
Read More Your Ten Best Food Allies
It’s a fact: not all foods are created equal. Some are dangerously seductive, like this chocolate bar that’s winking at you from the counter. And others are so nutritious and healthy—as well as delicious—that they fall into the “superfood” category. Their best assets: a high nutrient and vitamin content and a low glycemic index. But who are these formidable allies in diabetes management? 1- Beans Like many legumes, beans of all kinds are full of dietary fiber—a considerable asset for someone living with diabetes. In addition to...
Read More Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia (or “low blood sugar”) occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 4 mmol/L. At first, symptoms may be benign—irritability, mild nausea—but if the situation is not addressed, hypoglycemia can lead to fainting or even coma. Signs Symptoms caused by adrenaline secretion (adrenergic or neurogenic) These symptoms are usually the first to appear and should be considered "alarm bells": Trembling ...
Read More Teenagers And Diabetes: Diabetes Doesn't Clip Your Wings
Teenagers are building their self-image, experiencing new things and seeking validation from their peers. It shouldn’t be surprising that their lives with diabetes weigh heavily on them. Becoming responsible Teenagers may feel like rebelling against the whole routine surrounding their diabetes management. Blood glucose measures remind them that they’re different and give them the impression of being constantly monitored. They might want to avoid being confronted with the results of a measure so as not to feel discouraged or guilty. Here are some suggestions for easing the tension:...
Read More Insulin Injections: Breaking Down The Barrier
If insulin injections are part of your daily life, you know how essential they are to managing your diabetes and preventing complications. You also know that following your injection schedule is crucial. If your body doesn’t get enough insulin over the long term, you risk developing serious problems with your eyes, heart, nerves and kidneys. Getting too much insulin could lead to hypoglycemia—extreme cases of which can cause diabetic coma. Despite all this, according to a study conducted in the US, over half of people with insulin-dependent diabetes have deliberately skipped injections at...
Read More