Diabetes
Diabetes affects the body's ability to make or properly use insulin. This leads to high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is key to managing diabetes. Choosing nutritious foods and watching portion sizes can help you control blood sugar levels. And, a registered dietitian nutritionist, or RDN, can help you learn how to get the nutrients you need.
Diabetes Care Guidelines
You are not alone in managing your diabetes. We are here to support you in your health care! Below are some recommended care steps.
- Regular visits with your treating physician. You may also want to see an endocrinologist, which is a doctor that specializes in diabetes. If your blood sugar is not under control, your doctor may need to see you more often.
- Medical Nutrition Therapy. For a lot of people with diabetes, one of the most challenging aspects is figuring out what to eat. The American Diabetes Association tells us that a healthy diet is essential in diabetes management. They recommend that each person work with thier health care team and preferably a Registered Dietician/Nutritionist who is also a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).
- Annual dilated eye exam. This is important because high blood sugar can damage the small vessels in the eyes. The American Diabetes Association recommends a yearly dilated eye exam to catch any problems. Manatee YourChoice Health Plan allows for this yearly exam with an ophthamologist or optometrist with no co-pay.
- Annual foot exam. This is to check for any wounds, problems, or evidence or neuropathy (numbness, tingling or burning in the feet). A primary care physician or podiatrist can do this exam.
