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Diabetes Management

Diabetes management is the process of routine self-care and regular checkups to keep your blood glucose levels in check and prevent diabetes complications.

Diabetes is a condition in which your body has trouble producing or using insulin (a hormone that helps your body process glucose into energy). When this happens, glucose stays in your blood, which causes high blood sugar.

High blood sugar is harmful to your body. If it isn’t treated, it leads to vision problems, nerve damage, gum disease, cardiovascular disease and many other health complications. This is why it's so important to follow your doctor's advice on how to manage your diabetes.

Managing Your Wellness

Diabetes management can seem overwhelming, but with support from your loved ones and health care team, you can do it.

Education

It's easier to take care of yourself when you fully understand your condition. Your primary care doctor or a certified diabetes educator (CDE) provides you with education.

Medicine

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you need to take insulin because your body doesn't make it. Some people with Type 2 diabetes also need to take insulin. If they’re needed, your doctor may prescribe additional medicines for diabetes or other health problems.

Blood glucose testing

Blood glucose testing reveals your blood glucose levels and tells you how well you're managing your diabetes. How often you test your blood sugar depends on your treatment plan and if you're taking insulin or not. You’ll record your results in a daily logbook for your doctor to review at checkups.

Carbohydrate counting

Our bodies make glucose from the foods we eat. Because most carbohydrates are changed to glucose when we eat them, carbohydrate counting is an important part of managing your blood glucose levels. A dietitian or CDE teaches you how to count carbs and create a diabetes nutrition plan.

Exercise

Exercise improves your overall health. It helps you stay at a healthy weight and lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol. Exercise also lowers your blood glucose in the short term. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity three or four times a week. Keep in mind, you may need to check your blood sugar or eat a snack before exercising if you take insulin or are at risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Regular primary care visits

You'll visit your primary care doctor at least twice a year to check your A1C levels and make sure your treatment plan is still working. If you have any diabetes complications, your doctor will refer you to a specialist for help.

Total Diabetes Management Care

Temple Health delivers total diabetes management care to make sure you always have the support you need. Along with your primary care doctor and endocrinologist, your diabetes health care team at Temple may include:

  • Certified diabetes nurse educator
  • Dietitian
  • Podiatrist (treats the foot, ankle, and parts of the leg)
  • Ophthalmologist (treats the eye)
  • Dentist
  • Pharmacist

Temple endocrinologists are medical and academic leaders in their field. They are involved in ongoing research to better understand diabetes and improve the care you receive.

We offer a variety of diabetes management services at several Temple Health locations, including education classes through the Real-World Diabetes Program.

Ready for an Appointment?

Find a location near you, request an appointment, or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.