Staying Healthy with Diabetes

Managing your diabetes well - Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are serious conditions, and can lead to the same complications. But you can do many things to stay well.

The important first steps are:

• Eating according to a healthy meal plan
• Increasing your physical activity
• Learning as much as possible about diabetes

Take Charge of Your Diabetes

Talk to your doctor about all of the following points. They are important for basic diabetes care. Your doctor and your health care team will work with you to be sure your get the best care.

Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar) You and your healthcare team should set goals for your blood glucose levels. It is important to recognize that you may need to add pills and/or insulin to your lifestyle changes (meal planning and increased activity), to achieve your blood glucose targets. Ask about a blood glucose meter to help keep track of your blood glucose levels.
Blood Pressure High blood pressure can lead to eye disease, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.You may need to change your eating and exercise habits and/or take pills to keep your blood pressure at or below 130/80.
Healthy Eating Ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian to learn about healthy eating.You should follow Canada�s Guidelines for Healthy Eating, which includes limiting the amount of fat you eat.
Physical Activity If you have type 2 diabetes, you should do at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.You may need to start with as little as 5 to 10 minutes per day of brisk walking. If you are just starting to be active, check with your doctor first.
Cholesterol High cholesterol and other fats in the blood can lead to heart disease and stroke.You may need to change your eating and exercise habits and/or take pills to keep your blood fats at healthy levels.
Weight Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight will help you control your blood glucose, blood pressure and blood fat levels.
Eye Disease You need to be seen by an eye specialist who will dilate your pupils and check for signs of eye disease.Your regular doctor cannot do this special test in his or her office. Ask for a referral to an eye specialist.
Kidney Disease The earlier you catch signs of kidney disease the better.You must have your urine tested regularly for early signs of kidney disease.Your doctor may prescribe pills to delay more damage to your kidneys.
Nerve Damage Tell your doctor or healthcare team if your hands or feet ever feel numb or have �pins and needles.�
Foot Care Take off your shoes and socks at every visit (even if your doctor or healthcare team forget to ask you). Ingrown toenails, cuts and sores on the feet can lead to serious infections. Learn about proper foot care.
Problems with Erection Trouble getting and maintaining an erection is a very common problem in men with diabetes. Do not be shy about talking to your doctor or healthcare team about it.They may be able to suggest ways to solve the problem.
Smoking Smoking and diabetes are a dangerous mix. If you are serious about quitting, your doctor or healthcare team can help. Keep trying; your health is worth it.
Depression and Anxiety  These are common in people with diabetes and can affect diabetes control. Speak to your doctor or healthcare team if you feel you might be depressed or anxious.

Stay healthy by asking the right questions. Be an informed patient. Know what tests you need to check for the complications of diabetes.Talk to your doctor about these tests.

The following are important tests for good basic care.You may need some tests more often.Target blood glucose and blood pressure levels may differ, depending on your health.

When*	What Test?
At diagnosis	Kidney test (type 2): urine test performed at the lab Eye examination (type 2): through dilated pupils by an eye care specialist Nerve damage test (type 2): using a 10-g monofilament Test for erection problems (type 2): questions about your ability to get and maintain an erection Cholesterol and other blood fat tests (type 2): a blood test
Approximately every 3 months	A1C blood test (goal: less than 7.0%, less than 6.0%, if possible) Blood pressure test (goal: at or below 130/80) Review of home blood glucose monitoring record
Every 6-12 months	Kidney check Foot exam at every visit (at least once a year) and right away for an ingrown toenail or any cut or sore that doesn�t heal Meter check Have your meter checked against the results of a blood test at the lab at least once a year.
Every 1-2 years	Eye examination by an eye specialist Type 2 diabetes: every 1�2 years** Type 1 diabetes: once a year* if you are over age 15 and have had diabetes for at least 5 years (*more often if eye disease is present)
Every 1-3 years	Cholesterol and other bloof fats tests
Regularly / Periodically	Questions about erection problems Questions about depression and/or anxiety

^** For young children and pregnant women, the timing and type of test may be different.

Keeping track of your blood glucose levels 
Monitoring your blood glucose is important. Review your home glucose monitoring record with your doctor regularly. And make sure that your meter is providing accurate results by checking against the results of a blood test at the lab once a year.

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