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What are ketones, and when might it be necessary to test for them? | Ketones are produced when the body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. Testing for ketones may be necessary if you are sick or if your blood glucose levels are above 240 mg/dL. |
What is ketoacidosis, and what are its signs and symptoms? | Ketoacidosis is a serious condition that can occur if ketone levels become too high. Signs include vomiting, weakness, rapid breathing, and a sweet-smelling breath. |
What is the purpose of keeping daily diabetes records? | Daily diabetes records help track blood glucose levels, medication usage, food intake, physical activity, and any other relevant information, providing valuable data for healthcare providers to assess your diabetes management. |
What is hyperglycemia, and what are its potential causes? | Hyperglycemia refers to high blood glucose levels, often caused by missing diabetes medications, overeating, insufficient physical activity, infections, illness, stress, or certain medications. |
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia? | Signs of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, weakness, fatigue, headaches, frequent urination, difficulty concentrating, blurry vision, and yeast infections. |
What is hypoglycemia, and what factors can contribute to its development? | Hypoglycemia refers to low blood glucose levels, which can occur due to excessive diabetes medication, missed or delayed meals, unusually high physical activity, or alcohol consumption. |
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia? | Hypoglycemia can manifest as hunger, dizziness, shakiness, confusion, paleness, sweating, weakness, anxiety, mood swings, headaches, and a rapid heartbeat. |
What steps should be taken if blood glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL? | If your blood glucose drops below 70 mg/dL, consume a fast-acting carbohydrate source such as glucose tablets, glucose gel, fruit juice, regular soft drink, milk, hard candy, or sugar. |
What is glucagon, and how is it used in the management of severe hypoglycemia? | Glucagon is a medication that rapidly raises blood glucose levels. It is administered as an injection to treat severe hypoglycemia, typically by a trained family member, friend, or coworker. |
What are some important tips for managing diabetes while sick? | When sick, it is crucial to monitor blood glucose levels frequently, continue taking diabetes medications, stay hydrated, consume carbohydrate-rich foods or drinks, and contact your doctor if symptoms worsen or blood glucose levels remain high. |
What steps can be taken to manage diabetes effectively at school or work? | Effective diabetes management at school or work involves following your healthy eating plan, taking medications as prescribed, informing teachers or coworkers about your diabetes, keeping snacks readily available, and wearing medical identification. |
What are some essential tips for traveling with diabetes? | Important travel tips include getting necessary vaccinations, carrying diabetes medications and supplies, packing snacks for emergencies, checking blood glucose levels regularly, limiting alcohol intake, and carrying medical identification. |
What items should be included in a diabetes disaster kit? | A diabetes disaster kit should contain a blood glucose meter, lancets, testing strips, diabetes medications, insulin (if applicable), a glucagon kit, glucose tablets or other fast-acting carbohydrates, antibiotic cream, a copy of your medical information, and emergency contact numbers. |
What is the significance of maintaining near-normal blood glucose levels before and during pregnancy? | Near-normal blood glucose levels during pregnancy are essential to minimize risks to both the mother and the developing baby. |
What steps should women with diabetes take when planning a pregnancy? | Women with diabetes who are planning a pregnancy should work closely with their healthcare team to achieve optimal blood glucose control, consult a doctor specializing in high-risk pregnancies, avoid smoking and alcohol, follow a healthy eating plan, and undergo regular checkups for their eyes, heart, blood vessels, blood pressure, kidneys, and nerves. |