Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes (an article from 2011)

http://voices.yahoo.com/newly-diagnosed-diabetes-7997184.html?cat=70



Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes




Some things of interest for those newly diagnosed with diabetes. First and foremost some things in your life are going to change like it or not. The reasons for these changes are multi-fold.



One very important factor is you will need to start paying very close attention to what you consume, especially refined sugars. Sugar in general is important for the diabetic patient to take note of.



Too much sugar or too little sugar can cause serious possibly life-threatening conditions. It is also very important especially for the newly diagnosed diabetic to keep track of his glucose levels.



The way a diabetic keeps track of his or her glucose levels or sugar levels is with a glucose monitor. A small drop of blood must be used for this purpose. It is very important that any diabetic keep close track of his or her glucose levels, to avoid taking too much medication.



Some diabetics have problems with sugar levels dropping too low, if they do not eat at regularly scheduled times. If a diabetic sugar level is low, it is important that the diabetic eat or drink something, so that the sugar levels do not continue to drop.



Extremes in glucose levels are very dangerous, especially for the diabetic. The extreme highs and lows over time will damage blood vessels. It is also hard on the heart.



Something you may not know is a diabetic person is at increased risk of a heart-attack or stroke because usually long before someone develops adult onset diabetes, some damage has already occurred within the diabetic's body. Depending on how long from onset to diagnoses the damage may be quite serious.



Glucose levels as they rise to higher levels, or when they drop to below normal, will cause some diabetic to be drowsy or fatigued. This fatigue can be overwhelming. It may also be why some diabetic's who have heart-attacks, never complain of any pain just prior to a heart-attack. Or maybe only make mention of minor discomfort.



Diabetes is a very serious condition. It is a condition that is also at times misunderstood. The reason this condition is misunderstood, is because it affects different individuals differently.



One person for example may be able to eat a particular type of food with no sudden rise in glucose readings. Another person however eating the same food, the same amount, may find themselves needing to take extra insulin, because of a sudden spike in glucose readings.



The first thing the newly diabetic patient needs to know is diabetes is not a game. It is serious business. If the diabetic will carefully monitor glucose levels' and will be careful to do what all should do- which is to eat or drink any food in moderation, and to also get a little daily exercise-the diabetic will lead a healthier and happier life.



If a patient comes to a physician and receives the diagnoses of diabetes, besides the above mentioned paragraph, the patient needs to also cooperate with their doctor. It is through cooperation and good communication that the patient doctor relationship will work best.



When a breakdown in communication happens between the doctor and diabetic patient this can be life-threatening for the diabetic.



The diabetic needs to keep a daily food journal. Not only should the types and amounts of foods be written down but also the time of day and blood sugar levels before and after meals. The more often a diabetic checks glucose levels the easier it is to keep levels in or near the normal range.



Using a journal will help document elevated glucose levels, unexpected stress, exercise, general mood. A journal if used daily will over time help the diabetic patient to learn what helps, and what does not help in the management of his or her individual diabetes.