Diabetes FAQ's

How do I know if my blood sugar is too high or too low?

Check your blood glucose as recommended by your physician. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your meter and strips provide whole blood or plasma results.  The target glucose range for most people using whole blood results is 80 to 120 before meals and 100 to 140 at bedtime. The target glucose range for most people using plasma results is 90-130 before meals and 110 to 150 at bedtime.  Your physician can help you determine the best range for you.

AIC is a test to measure your blood sugar over the past three months.  It should be measured twice a year when your blood sugar is well controlled and more frequently when it is not.

When should I call my doctor or clinic?

Seek further medical assistance for any of the following conditions. In addition, ask your health care team how often you need to see them for check-ups.

• You have cold or flu symptoms that are not improving
• Fever of 101 degrees F. or greater
• Nausea and vomiting, especially if you’ve had no food or fluid intake for more than 5 hours
• Symptoms of shakiness or a nervous feeling, lightheadedness, sweating, rapid heart rate or confusion that do not improve after eating carbohydrate foods
• Any of the following problems on the feet: burns, splinters, stubbed toe, foot trauma, blister, swelling, black and blue discoloration, bleeding, or oozing of fluid
• Urine tests that show moderate to large amounts of ketones
• A persistent cough
• Change in vision
• A sore or cut that does not heal
• Tooth pain

• Chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Trouble breathing, swelling of your legs and hands coupled with weight gain
• Numbness or tingling in arms or hands, trouble walking, or stumbling
• Confusion or can’t think clearly
  

Instruct your family or friends to call 911 if you should become unconscious or confused. It is wise to wear a medical alert bracelet so that anyone coming to your assistance will know you have diabetes.

Since I have diabetes, is my family at a higher risk for diabetes?

Close family members such as children, brothers, sisters, and parents are at a higher risk for diabetes. The risk is increased when the family member:

• Is older than 45
• Is overweight
• Had diabetes during pregnancy
• Had a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds
• Is African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or American Indian
• Has high blood pressure
• Has high cholesterol or other abnormal blood fats
• Is inactive

      Sources:  DoD/VA Clinical Practice Guidelines 
American Diabetes Association
                National Institues of Health