HOTT BVI 2ND ISSUE

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Know your HBA1C. In addition to daily blood sugar monitoring, your doctor may recommend regular HB A1C testing to measure your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Compared with repeated daily blood sugar tests, A1C testing better indicates how well your diabetes treatment plan is working overall. An elevated A1C level may signal the need for a change in your insulin regimen or meal plan. -Know you med: Insulin- know the different types (short acting long acting) , oral meds- know the different types of tables and when to take them. Keep a log!

mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, - Decrease use of salt and sodium you eat. - Decrease processed foods, and cut down on restaurant meals. Ask for help- Management of diabetes can be frustrating…see the counsel of medical professionals, nurses, your local Diabetes Association, and Mental Health teams. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Sharing your frustrations and your triumphs with people who understand what you're going through can be very helpful. And you may find that others have great tips to share about diabetes management.

Coping/Support: Soo… your are Diabetic or Pre-diabetic…what now? Pray for strength to cope- Prayer has the power to give you hope. How? Believe that a higher power can work within and with you to supply your need. Ask for wisdom, knowledge and strength to adjust and cope. Stick to your meal and treatment plan- take time to understand how foods work in the body. Visit a dietician and make a meal plan. Planning takes the guess work away and helps you make better meal choices. What you eat makes a difference in your blood sugar.

Here are a few tips: - Eat foods you like but in healthful-size portions.
 -Include healthy sources of carbohydrate: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and low-fat dairy foods. - Decrease the added sugars and sweets. Cut down on sugary drinks, breakfast pastries, candy, and desserts. -Decrease use of fats such as salad dressing,

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British Virgin Islands Diabetes Association (BVI Diabetes Association) PO Box 2343, R.G. Hodge Plaza Road Town British Virgin Islands Tel +1-284-4944125 / +1-284-4944125 Fax +1-2844947057 E-mail bvidiabetesassociation@surfbvi.com


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