Diabetes Diet?

The Sweet Truth about Diabetes?

What Kind of Diabetes Do You Have?

 Diabetes Diet

Monitoring

In patients being treated with insulin or insulin-producing or sensitizing drugs, it is important to monitor blood glucose levels carefully to avoid hypoglycemia. Patients should aim for premeal glucose levels of between 80 and 120 and bedtime levels of between 100 and 140. Current intensive treatment for type 1 diabetes to tightly control blood sugar levels usually requires four or more daily blood sugar tests. Blood glucose levels are generally more stable in type 2 diabetes than in type 1, so experts usually recommend measuring blood levels only once or twice a day. Other tests are needed periodically to determine potential complications of diabetes, such as high blood pressure and kidney problems. Such tests may also indicate whether current diet plans are helping the patient and whether changes should be made. Glycolated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A₁) is measured periodically. Levels of 11% to 12% glycolated hemoglobin, for instance, indicate poor control of carbohydrates. High levels also indicate future kidney problems and the need to lower protein intake. Annual urine tests showing even microscopic traces of a protein known as albumin can also indicate a future risk for serious kidney disease. Blood pressure and lipid levels should also be regularly monitored.