subject: Diabetic Information - The Basics [print this page] When you have diabetes, it is important to check your blood pressure on a regular basis. If you don't keep up with it, it can lead to severe health complications, such as seizures, comas, and even death. The easiest way to do this is with a blood glucose meter. You normally prick your finger, put a drop of blood on a lancet, and then put it in the meter. It will then give you a number, which is your blood glucose level.
Normal blood glucose levels typically fall between 70 and 150 mg. Blood glucose levels are normally lower in the morning, and increase whenever you eat. If your levels are too low, then you need to eat or drink something, such as orange juice or chocolate, to increase your glucose levels. If they are too high, then you need to take insulin to decrease them. Depending on the severity of your diabetes, though, you may or may not need to worry about them being too high.
There are many places, both on the Internet and in the phone book, where you can order testing supplies and have them delivered to your front door. This is much more convenient, because in the past you had to either buy your own supplies at the store, or get them from your doctor. Also, if you do have to take insulin, always be responsible when disposing of syringes. In most cities, you're not allowed to just throw them in the trash; you need to dispose of them instead in a hazardous waste container, similar to what you see in doctors offices.
Above all, when you have diabetes, remember to take it seriously. As long as you keep up with it, however, and monitor your blood levels and take precautions when it comes to eating, there is no reason why it should kill you. We have advanced a long way in the medical field, and there are many effective methods in dealing with and treating diabetes. They include medication, diet, and exercise. All of them, however, require you to be diligent about checking your blood glucose levels. Therefore, if you have diabetes, check your levels often (at least 3 times a day), and you should be able to live a long healthy life.
