Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Understanding Diabetes 10
A visit with M. Regina Castro, M.D. 11
What is diabetes? 12
The different types 15
Signs and symptoms 18
Are you at risk? 20
Tests to detect diabetes 22
Medical emergencies 25
Long-term complications 27
Chapter 2 Developing a Healthy-Eating Plan 34
A visit with Gina R. Wimmer, RDN, LD 35
What's healthy eating? 36
Plan your meals 40
Watch your serving sizes 45
Size up your plate 45
Read food labels 46
Consider carb counting 47
The real scoop on sugar 49
Using exchange lists 51
Staying motivated 53
Chapter 3 Achieving a Healthy Weight 56
A visit with Donald D. Hensrud, M.D., M.S. 57
Do you need to lose weight? 58
Assess your readiness 62
Set realistic goals 62
Simple first steps 65
The Mayo Clinic healthy weight approach 65
What are your eating triggers? 70
Be a smart shopper 73
Bumps in the road: Overcoming setbacks 76
Chapter 4 Getting More Active 80
A visit with Carmen M. Terzic, M.D., Ph.D. 81
Diabetes and exercise 82
Reduce the time you sit 82
Get more fit 83
Avoiding injury 100
Exercising safely with diabetes 103
Chapter 5 Monitoring Your Blood Sugar 106
A visit with Anna L. Kasper, R.N., CDCES 107
How often and when to test 108
Performing the test 111
Recording your results 114
Staying within your range 117
Troubleshooting problems 118
Factors affecting blood glucose 119
When tests results signal an issue 123
Avoiding the highs and lows 123
Overcoming barriers 128
Chapter 6 Medical Treatment 130
A visit with Pankaj Shah, M.D. 131
Diabetes medications other than insulin 132
Insulin therapy 140
Long-term benefits 157
Chapter 7 Using Technology to Manage Diabetes 158
A visit with Anna L. Kasper, R.N., CDCES 159
Is diabetes technology for me? 160
What about technology for kids? 162
Technology types 163
Using technology wisely 173
Future of diabetes technology 173
Chapter 8 If Your Child has Diabetes 174
A visit with Ana L. Creo, M.D. 175
Type 1 diabetes 176
Type 2 diabetes 179
Creating a diabetes care plan 182
Emotional and social issues 187
Good habits for staying healthy 187
Surviving sick days 194
Chapter 9 Living Well with Diabetes 196
A visit with Mark D. Williams, M.D. 197
Adapting to your diagnosis 198
Navigating your relationships 199
Tending to your mental health 205
Keeping a healthy relationship with food 211
Cultivating coping skills 213
Thriving with diabetes technology 215
Empowering yourself with knowledge 217
Chapter 10 Staying Healthy 220
A visit with Vinaya Simha, M.B.B.S, M.D. 221
Yearly checkups 222
Important tests 224
Caring for your eyes 228
Caring for your feet 233
Caring for your teeth 236
Getting vaccinated 237
Managing stress 239
Diabetes and pregnancy 245
Diabetes and menstruation 252
Diabetes and menopause 252
Diabetes and erectile dysfunction 254
Chapter 11 Traveling with Diabetes 256
Preparation 257
Types of travel and activities 261
Planes, trains, cars and more 263
What to pack 265
Safe travels! 268
Appendix 270
Additional resources 308
Index 309
