Newly Diagnosed Diabetes

Watch this clip to understand what happens within your body when you have type 2 diabetes, and the importance of keeping your blood glucose levels within a healthy range.

Taking control of your diabetes will help you head off the complications that can come with it. You can reduce your risk of heart attacks, stroke, damage to your kidneys and nerves, and loss of vision by keeping your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure in check. A diabetes educator can help you find the best ways to eat healthy, be active, monitor your blood sugar, take medication, solve problems and cope in a healthy way.

Having diabetes does not mean you have to give up your favorite foods or stop eating in restaurants. In fact, there is nothing you can't eat. But you need to know that the foods you eat affect your blood sugar or blood glucose. By eating regular meals, thinking about the amount and types of food you eat, you can better control your diabetes and prevent other health problems.

Being active is an important part of being healthy, and not just by helping you lose weight. Activity gets your heart rate up, burns calories and strengthens your muscles and bones. That, in turn, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, improves blood pressure and can improve your mood by lowering stress and anxiety.

Like many people with diabetes, you may need to take medication to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) level steady. Diabetes increases your risk for other health conditions, such as heart or kidney related problems, so you may need to take medicine to help with those, too.

When you have diabetes, your body doesn't properly manage blood sugar (glucose), its main source of fuel. To keep your blood sugar level on target and avoid problems with your eyes, kidneys, heart and feet, you may need to take medication. But you also need to monitor your blood sugar to see if it's too high or too low, so that you can get it back on track and prevent long-term health problems.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you need to learn how to take your blood sugar readings using a home blood glucose meter. Watch this instructional program to learn how to test with accuracy and minimal discomfort. Includes information on target levels, how to treat a blood sugar low, logging, and more.

Find out why hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, is dangerous; the symptoms you should look out for, and learn what you can do to avoid it.

Learn what to do when you experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

See why hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, is dangerous; the symptoms you should look out for, and some important strategies to avoid it.

Learn how the physical stress caused by illness and an injury can cause your glucose level to rise.

Learn about the connection between your A1c blood test result and your risk for developing the long-term complications of diabetes.

Find out how to make the most of your diabetes care visits to help you learn more about your diabetes self-management.