vital signs DIABETES WATCH
BY VERA TWEED
“The majority of people I’ve seen hospitalized for diabetes-related problems—for example, for open heart surgery— were not monitoring their blood glucose levels,” observes Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., R.D., a certified diabetes educator based in Sarasota, Fla. Using a blood glucose meter to take blood samples several times a day is inconvenient, painful and, for many people, simply unthinkable. However, for anyone whose doctor has prescribed a glucose meter, using it effectively is the entry point to preventing complications such as heart disease; nerve damage that can lead to lower-limb amputations; and kidney, eye and skin problems.
On a positive note, Gerbstadt points out that there are tangible benefits to measuring and controlling blood glucose. To make the process easier, she offers the following advice.
❚ Knowledge is power. Learning how to measure blood glucose levels and control them with food and exercise puts you in charge.
❚ When uncontrolled, highs and lows in blood glucose zap your energy, both physically and emotionally. In contrast, monitoring and stabilizing glucose levels can make you more energetic, help you lose weight, and improve the color and tone of your skin.
❚ Finding the glucose meter that suits you can make life easier. Ask if your doctor or diabetes educator has different models for you to try before you buy.
❚ Different meters require different sizes of blood samples, and smaller samples generally mean less pain. A finer lancet (the part that pricks your finger) can also be more comfortable.
❚ If you’re a fan of computers, choose a model that can transfer data to your computer for tracking purposes.
❚ If eyesight is a problem, look for models that have larger readouts or “talk” the results.
❚ Work with a health professional to learn how to measure blood glucose, and use the results to improve your life.
• Anyone taking insulin for type 1
or type 2 diabetes
• Anyone with type 2 diabetes
whose doctor recommends
self-monitoring of blood glucose
PHOTO: RONNE KAUFMAN/VEER
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