Good diabetes management is important to stay healthy
Medical Disclaimer
These resources provide general information only, and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have about your individual health and medical condition.
Acknowledgments
This resource was created in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled sector.
QAIHC would like to acknowledge and honour the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways of Queensland. We recognise their continuing connection to these lands and waters, and thank them for protecting this country and its ecosystems since time immemorial. We acknowledge and wholly support all Traditional Owners for their continuing connection to this country and their communities.
We pay respect to Traditional Owners and to their Elders past, present and emerging.
QAIHC thanks and acknowledges Diabetes Australia and Health and Wellbeing Queensland for their contributions to this project.
Introduction
There can be a lot to manage if you have Type 2 Diabetes. It is important to: find more ways to keep moving and be active eat healthy food wash your body every day — remember your feet go to doctors appointments take your medicine check and manage your blood sugar levels. Your activity level and the food you eat will influence how well your diabetes is managed. This can change over time and it’s important to yarn regularly with your doctor.
Everyone’s journey with diabetes is different, so the information in this booklet is of a general nature only and should not be substituted for medical advice or used to alter medical therapy.
The information in this booklet does not replace consultations with your healthcare team to meet your individual medical needs.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes with deadly choices
Regular exercise helps insulin work more effectively, lowers your blood pressure and reduces the risk of disease.
Eating well helps manage your blood sugar levels and your body weight.
Avoiding alcohol and quitting smoking helps keep you healthy, avoids complications and reduces the risk of disease.
Checking and keeping your blood sugar levels in your target range reduces the risk of diabetic complications.
Remember, everyone’s journey is different. Always work closely with your healthcare team to best manage your diabetes.
Visiting your doctor regularly helps keep you on track with managing your diabetes and allows your treatment to be adjusted as needed.
Your healthcare team — including your doctor, specialist, diabetes educator and dietician — provide advice on the most effective treatment for you and can help you make good choices, including how to eat healthy and be active.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes with medication
Your body may start producing less insulin if your diabetes is not discovered early, or if you don't make effective lifestyle changes.
The cells in your body can become resistant to insulin, making it difficult for your body to convert food into energy.
Even if you need medication as treatment for your diabetes, a healthy lifestyle that includes good food choices, regular exercise, no smoking and limited alcohol is an important part of your diabetes management and staying healthy.
To help the body function, some people with diabetes need prescribed tablets to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Some people need insulin to manage their blood sugar levels because their body cannot produce enough insulin on its own. Sometimes tablets are prescribed as well as insulin. Insulin is injected.
Make deadly choices for your diabetes
Sometimes people with diabetes can feel:
Overwhelmed by the demands of living with diabetes.
Guilty or concerned that they are struggling with their diabetes management.
Worried about their risk of long-term complications.
Frustrated that they cannot predict or ‘control’ diabetes.
Fatigued from living with diabetes 24/7.
Burned out by the effort needed to manage their diabetes.
These feelings are really normal. Yarning with your doctor/health care worker, or friends and family can help.
How do you live well with diabetes?
Who can help me?
Your mob
Groups in the community
Women's or Men's groups
Your healthcare teams.
What can help me?
Yarn with your friends and family
Relax your body and soul.
Do an activity that you like
Exercise e.g. going for a walk with a friend
Eat healthy
Yarn with your healthcare team.
Get to know your diabetes team
If you feel unwell with Type 2 diabetes:
1. Check your blood sugar every 2-4 hours
2. Drink water
3. Try to eat your meals and snacks
4. Call your doctor or go to the hospital if: You are vomiting You are feeling very unwell.
Where you can buy your diabetes management supplies.
Make sure you’re getting checked regularly
Have your heart checked
Check your heart at your doctor: at least every year more often if needed.
Your doctor will: check your blood pressure and cholesterol talk to you about your medication refer you for more tests if needed.
IMPORTANT: Signs that you are experiencing a heart attack: pain in your chest or back difficulty breathing pain in your arm or shoulder pain in your neck feeling dizzy or nausea a cold sweat just not feeling right.
Have your eyes checked
Over time, diabetes may cause damage to your eyes.
Check your eyes: at least every 12 months straight away if you have any changes to your eyesight.
Look out for: flashes of light floaters blots and dots parts of vision missing.
ambulance services are provided free by the Queensland Government.
Have your kidneys checked
Over time diabetes may cause damage to your kidneys.
It’s important that you check your kidneys at least once a year.
Talk to your doctor. Have a blood and urine test every year.
Look after your feet
Over time, diabetes may cause damage to your feet.
It can also mean you don't feel when your toes or feet are injured.
It’s important that you check your feet daily for cuts, blisters or red areas.
Make sure you see your podiatrist at least once a year to check for: ulcers calluses toe problems other foot problems.
Diabetes may increase gum disease and tooth decay.
Make sure you: brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and pea-size amount of toothpaste. use dental floss once a day. drink lots of water and avoid having a dry mouth. don't smoke. see your dentist every 6-12 months. Look after your teeth and oral health
Know the red flags
Some people who are using insulin to manage their diabetes may experience low blood sugar (also known as a hypo), which means that their blood sugar levels are below 4.0mmol/L.
It is important that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of a hypo and that you share these with your mob so they can help you in a hypo situation.
Symptoms of a hypo or low blood sugar
Blurred vision Feeling dizzy and shaky
Feeling confused
Don't ignore a low blood sugar level. Treat symptoms immediately so your blood sugar level doesn't continue to drop.
Common causes of a hypo
Drinking alcohol
Exercising on an empty stomach Driving*
What to do if you’re having a hypo
1. Take 15-20 grams of sugar e.g.
6-7 regular size jelly beans or 150-200ml (1 cup) soft drink or fruit juice or 15g of glucose gel or 3 teaspoons of sugar or honey.
2. Recheck your blood sugar level in 15 minutes
If it is still 4.0mmol/L or less, repeat step 1 and recheck the level in another 15 minutes.
3. Once your blood sugar level is above 4.0mmol/L
Eat a snack or meal with a longer acting carbohydrate e.g. piece of fruit, slice of bread, dry biscuits, glass of milk, or a small tub of low-fat yoghurt.
4. It is important to tell your mob that if you become unconscious, drowsy or unable to swallow, to call 000 and tell the operator that you are diabetic.
If your blood sugar is low, you cannot drive safely.
5 mmol
Your blood sugar should be above 5mmol and stable, otherwise, don’t drive.
If on insulin always check your blood sugar before driving.
