Managing diabetes can be complicated. To make it easier, PHPprime has put together a list of important topics to help guide you. If you need more information about diabetes, you can reach out to our Care Coordinators at 720-612-6600, option 2 | Monday — Friday | 8 am – 5 pm
Energy
Our body uses glucose (sugar) as an energy source to feed important organs in our body, such as our brain and muscles. We get glucose through the food we eat and our liver makes some too.
Pancreas
Our pancreas makes insulin. Insulin is the key that opens the door for glucose to enter the brain, muscles and other organs.
In type 2 diabetes, two things can happen:
- Your pancreas is not making enough insulin. As a result, too much glucose builds up in your blood instead of going into your organs.
- The insulin your body makes is unable to get glucose into your cells and organs. If this happens, glucose builds up in your bloodstream. This is called insulin resistance.
Over time, high blood glucose levels begin to damage nerves and blood vessels. This can lead to complications.
The A1C is a blood test you get at the doctor’s office or health clinic. It shows:
- Your average blood sugar level for the last three months
- Your risk (chance) of having other health problems because of diabetes
Why do I need an A1C blood test?
Your A1C test results are the best way to know if your blood sugar is under control over time.
Healthy
AIC: 5.6 and below
Fasting Sugar: 99 or below
Pre-diabetes
AIC: 5.7 to 6.4
Fasting Sugar: 100 to 125
Diabetes
AIC: 6.5 and above
Fasting Sugar: Two readings of 126 or above on different days
Reduce Added Sugar in Your Diet
- Eliminate sweet drinks like soda, juice, sweet teas and lemonade. Instead, choose drinks that are naturally sugar-free like water, herbal teas and sparkling water.
- Limit/avoid cookies, cakes, sweet breads, candies, sugary cereals, etc.
Cut Back on Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the foods that turn to sugar in your blood.
- Use whole-grain bread, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, beans or lentils, not processed grains (white bread, pastas, rice, flour tortillas).
- Limit the carbohydrates in your meals to one-fourth of your plate.
Get Active
- Start a daily physical activity routine.
- Daily activity can include things like walking, biking, running or swimming.
- Start slowly with 10 minutes and work your way up to 20 minutes a day.
- Try walking before you eat your largest meal. This will increase your body’s ability to absorb glucose into your organs.
- Your blood glucose levels are usually the highest after your largest meal of the day.
Click on the link below to explore more helpful topics about managing diabetes.