General Diabetic Education
Causes, risk factors, effects, and managing diabetes
The flyers and videos on this site were designed for informational purposes. Seek advice from your healthcare provider for specific information related to your condition.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which your body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it effectively, resulting in high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps your body absorb and use glucose to provide energy. Without enough insulin, your body can't use glucose for energy, and the glucose accumulates in your blood, leading to high blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Download PDF Below for complete details
What is the Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting the body's ability to regulate blood glucose levels. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Although both forms of diabetes involve problems with insulin and blood glucose levels, there are several key differences between them.
Download PDF Below for complete details
Preventing Type 2
Type 2 diabetes is a serious and increasingly common health issue that affects more than 30 million Americans and continues to grow in prevalence. Left unchecked, it can lead to serious health concerns, including stroke, kidney failure, heart attack, and even death. Making small lifestyle changes can help you avoid the development of type 2 diabetes and protect your health.
Download PDF Below for complete details
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that affects only pregnant women and usually resolves once the baby is born. It occurs when a pregnant woman's body has difficulty producing enough insulin to regulate glucose (sugar) in the blood. It occurs in about 4-14% of all pregnancies, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications for both mother and baby.
Download PDF Below for complete details
PREDIABETES
Prediabetes is a medical condition that increases an individual's risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its associated health complications. Prediabetes is diagnosed when an individual has a blood glucose (sugar) level higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. If left untreated, individuals with prediabetes have an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and other health complications.
Download PDF Below for complete details
FAQs
Diabetes is a condition in which your body cannot properly use and store glucose, which is the primary type of sugar in the blood. In type 1 diabetes, your body produces little or no insulin; in type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't have enough and/or can't effectively use it.
Download PDF Below for complete details
TIPS FOR MANAGING DIABETES
Living with diabetes can be a challenge. However, there are steps you can take to manage your diabetes and stay healthy. Here are ten tips to help you manage your diabetes:
Download PDF Below for complete details
Questions For Your Healthcare Provider
Living with diabetes can be challenging, with many lifestyle choices, physical changes, and related health concerns to consider. Regular communication with your healthcare provider lets you stay well-informed about your unique diagnosis and effectively manage your condition.
Download PDF Below for complete details
Complications
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common disorder affecting people of all ages. Understanding its signs and symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to serious health problems, including seizures and coma.
Download PDF Below for complete details
HYPERGLYCEMIA
Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose level, occurs when the amount of sugar within the bloodstream is higher than usual. It is a common complication of diabetes and can cause serious health problems if not treated properly.
Download PDF Below for complete details
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a medical condition that arises when the body produces too much acid in the blood caused by an extreme shortage of insulin. It can be a complication of diabetes and, if left untreated, can be life-threatening. Knowing the causes, recognizing symptoms, and understanding the treatment is critical to catching and managing this serious condition.
Download PDF Below for complete details
Nutrition
Best foods to eat as a diabetic
When living with diabetes, what you eat is especially important. Eating the right foods can help keep your blood glucose (sugar) levels stable and make it easier to manage your diabetes. People with diabetes must focus on choosing healthy, low-fat, low-sugar foods. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet can help control diabetes and reduce your risk of complications.
Download PDF Below for complete details
HOW TO COUNT CARBS
Carb counting is one of the most important and effective tools for managing diabetes. Eating the right amount of carbohydrates can help keep your blood sugar levels within their target range. Counting carbs can also help you maintain a healthy weight since carbohydrates impact your blood sugar levels and are the primary source of calories. Here's how to count carbs for diabetes:
Download PDF Below for complete details
Reading a nutrition label as a diabetic
Reading a nutrition label can be daunting for anyone, but it is essential for those with diabetes. Accurately understanding the information on a nutrition label can make the difference between maintaining healthy blood glucose (sugar) levels and causing a spike in the wrong direction. Below are some tips for people with diabetes to remember when deciphering a nutrition label.
Download PDF Below for complete details
Reading a nutrition label- Ingredient list, food allergens, nutritional facts, expiration date
Reading product labels is vital to making educated decisions about purchasing food. Products often require labeling information that can provide helpful insight into the product's contents and potential health implications. Understanding the common parts of a label and what to look for can help anyone become a more informed and savvy consumer.
Download PDF Below for complete details
Parents
When your diabetic child is sick
It can be a frightening experience for parents when their diabetic child is ill. It is essential to be aware of the potential complications that may arise.
Download PDF Below for complete details
Sleepovers
Sleepovers can be exciting but also cause stress and anxiety for children with diabetes. However, It is possible to make sleepovers fun and safe for your diabetic child by following simple tips.
Download PDF Below for complete details
Communication with Teachers and Administrators
As a parent of a child diagnosed with diabetes, navigating the educational system can be difficult without the right tools and understanding. Parents must communicate with their child's teacher and school administrators to ensure their child's safety, health, and learning. By following these suggestions, parents can ensure their child receives the best and most tailored care while in school.
