DIABETES
CARE GUIDE
English 345 Technical Writing
Sarah LaBean
11
Table of Contents:
Definitions………………………………………………….............…..pg. 3
Risk Factors/Statistics…………………………………………………pg. 4
Complications……………………………………………………….…….pg.5-7
Symptoms…………………………………………………………….…….pg. 8
Testing Your Blood Sugar (instructions)………………………pg. 9-11
Blood Sugar Video…………………………………………………………pg. 12
Day in the Life of a Diabetic (Food for the day)…………..pg. 13-16
Agencies and Help Centers……………………….………………….pg. 17
Sources……………………………………………………………………pg. 18
Definitions
Sugar: it is a term for a edible crystalline carbs, mainly sucrose, lactose, and
fructose which is characterized by a sweet flavor. In food, sugar usually is
referred to sucrose and comes from sugar cane or beets.
Insulin: is a hormone that regulates carbs and fat metabolism in the body.
Insulin causes cells in the liver, muscle and fat tissue to take up glucose from
the blood and stores it as glycogen in the liver and muscle.
Glycogen: is the molecule that functions as the secondary long term energy
storage in cells. It’s primarily made by the liver and the muscles.
Hypoglycemia: is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar is too low.
Low blood sugar is when it is below 70mg/dl.
Type 1 Diabetes: is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not
produce enough insulin to properly control blood sugar levels.
Type 2 Diabetes: is a chronic disease that is marked by high levels of sugar
in the blood. It is the most common form of diabetes.
Insulin Pump: a medical device that is used to in the administration of
insulin for diabetes. This is usually worn on the person regularly.
Statistics/Risk Factors
You have a higher risk for diabetes if you have the following:
 Age greater than 45 years
 Diabetes during a previous pregnancy
 Excess body weight especially around the waist
 Family history of diabetes
 Given birth to baby weighing more than 9 pounds
 HDL cholesterol under 35 mg/dl
 High blood levels of triglycerides, a type of fat molecule (250 mg/dl or
more)
 High blood pressure levels
 Impaired glucose (sugar) tolerance
 Low activity less such as exercising less than 3 times a week
 Metabolic syndrome
 Polycystic ovarian syndrome
 About 75 percent of people who have diabetes die of some type of
heart or blood vessel disease, according to the American Heart
Association.
 A condition which causes dark, thickened skin around the neck or
armpits.
People from certain ethnic groups such as African Americans,
Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans have a
higher risk for diabetes.
Complications:
Type 2 diabetes can easily be ignored by most people especially when you feel fine and
are doing many things in your life. However, diabetes affects many major organs
including your blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys and heart. If you control your blood
sugar levels it will help prevent these complications.
Some potential complications you might find with being diabetic are:
Heart and blood vessel disease: diabetes dramatically increases the risk
of many cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease with chest pain,
heart attack, stroke, narrowing of the arteries and high blood pressure. In fact according
to a 2007, study risk of stroke more than doubles within the first five years of being
treated for type 2 diabetes.
Nerve Damage: This is where excess sugar can injure the wall of the tiny blood
vessels that nourish your nerves especially in the legs. This can cause tingling,
numbness, burning or pain that will being at the tip of the toes. Poor controlled blood
sugar will lead you to lose all sense of feeling in the affected limbs. Damage to the nerves
that control digestion can give you nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Also for
men, erectile dysfunction could be an issue.
Kidney Damage:
The kidneys contain millions of tiny blood vessels and
clusters that filter waste from your blood. Diabetes can damage this delicate filtering
system and if it so severe then it could lead to kidney failure or irreversible kidney
disease requiring a transplant or dialysis.
Eye Damage: diabetes can destroy the retina and potentially lead to blindness.
Also increases the risk of other serious vision conditions such as cataracts and
glaucoma.
Foot Damage: the nerve damage in the feet or poor blood flow to the foot
increases the risk of various foot complications. Left untreated it could have cuts and
blisters that turn into serious infections. The more severe the damage might require toe,
foot or even leg amputation.
Skin and Mouth Conditions: diabetes may leave you susceptible to skin
problems and those including bacterial and fungal infections. Gum infection could also
be present and a concern.
Osteoporosis: this can lead to lower normal bone mineral density and increasing
your chances of getting this disease.
Alzheimer’s Diease: it could increase the risk of vascular dementia. The
poorer your blood sugar controls the bigger risk it appears to be. There are many
theories still but can it would contribute the dementia. It blocks blood flow to the brain
causing strokes and brain damage or loss of brain cells.
Hearing Problems: can lead to hearing impairment.
Symptoms
Type 1 Diabetes:
1) Frequent Urination
2) Unusual Thirst
3) Extreme hunger
4) Unusual weight loss
5) Extreme fatigue and irritability
Type 2 Diabetes:
1) any of the type 1 symptoms
2) frequent infections
3) blurred vision
4) cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
5) tingling/numbness in hands or feet
6) Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections.
Testing Your Blood Sugar
Introduction: These directions are very detailed for someone who is a nonspecialist can view, read or see and understand how to live a healthier life. This is a
vital part of your future; the way you can enjoy it is by first being aware.
Items needed:
1) Alcohol wipes
2) Blood test kit which includes that needles, monitor, and clip for the needle shoot.
3) data/blood drop testing strips
4) Diabetes cookbook
5) Carb, Calorie and fat counter book (source at bottom).
6) Kitchen and various food supplies.
7) Journal or notebook
8) Pen, to take notes in your journal or notebook about what you have ate and
exercised for the day.
9) Excel sign sheets, which are to capture the various data: time, before or after, and
what the sugar was at that time.
Preparation for before breakfast:
In Order as listed
1st Step: The diabetic will wake up in the morning before breakfast.
2nd Step: Then will go into the bathroom to check her sugar for the before
breakfast level.
3rd Step: They should be getting out their testing kit, alcohol wipes and
testing strips for the blood.
4th Step: They will then proceed to rip off one corner of the alcohol swab
5th step: The diabetic will then unzip the blood testing kit and open the flip
cap bottle of testing strips.
6th Step: Then you will put one testing strip into the actual machine that will
tell you your blood sugar by carefully touching the non-striped end under the
black stealth.
7th Step: The diabetic will insert the testing strip with the striped end or
many lined end into the machine. So then the single thicker line than the
others of the strip should be on the outside of the machine.
8th Step: They will need to rotate around the head (top) so that it proceeds to
come off on the product that will be a needle launcher and break the skin.
9th Step: There is a little white bag of needles they are long and have a
protective circle at the top that will twist off, at this time you would twist it off
carefully though.
10th Step: Then take the needle and insert the non-needle end into the
launcher and rotate the top of it back on.
11th Step: Then the diabetic will decided a number from 1-9 being that if you
have tougher skin a higher number you will want to choose from due to the
fact it will pierce the skin better.
12th Step: The diabetic will pull back the trigger at the top of the launcher and
you will hear a click sound saying it’s ready.
13th Step: At this time the diabetic would wash hands with soap and warm
water then dry completely.
14th Step: Take out the alcohol wipe from the package and wipe the top of
your index finger with it thoroughly. DON NOT THROW AWAY WIPE.
15th Step: After this you will take the launcher put it with direct contract to
your distal index phalange or in simpler terms: the top of your index finger.
16th Step: Then will squeeze on one side of where the prick on your finger
happen to get the blood to flow outside of your finger more steadily as well as
getting a greater amount for the lancing machine.
17th Step: Touch the drop of blood with the test strip. The blood will be
absorbed by the wicking action of the test strip.
18th Step: Within a few seconds or minutes, it should display depending on
how your monitor is setup the sugar level on the screen.
19th Step: Wipe your finger with the alcohol wipe so it catches most of the
blood and discard.
20th Step: Then take a the wrapper of the alcohol wipe and pull out the
testing strip and discard carefully
21st Step: Rotate the head of the lancet and pull off the needle and discard in
either a safety disposal box or in a plastic baggy and throw in trash can.
22nd Step: Glance back at your reading and pick up the pen with whatever
hand you write with.
23rd Step: Then put the time underneath that column.
24th Step: Put BEFORE under time (before/after) eating column.
25th Step: Put your results in the blood sugar level column.
26th Step: Click off pen and lay down next to sheet for use later in the day
27th Step: Zip up the testing kit and put next to sheets for also later use in the
day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMMpeLLgdgY
VIDEO
Conclusion of Testing Blood:
By following these directions carefully as well as any directed by your
endocrinologist. The diabetic or even you should be able to test your blood
and find out your blood sugar with adequate results. A type 1 diabetic would
test one to two hours before a meal and an hour or two after one as well. This
means other areas than the index finger will be used. A type 2 diabetic is asked
check their blood sugar like a type 1 diabetic but mostly an hour after one eats.
In the world today with being overweight or obesity rates increasing we must
be aware that diabetes is a killer and it could be coming for you. Also by
following these guidelines as a precaution no matter whom or what weight
you are you’re preventing a possible knock on your door.
Breakfast Meal Plan
The following contains a recipe with a detailed list of ingredients for a
diabetic. This typical breakfast dish would be something that a diabetic would
either be required or should be eating. I am inserting this into the care guide
because all non-specialists and semi-specialists should want this information
as it could benefit to their health lifestyles.
Diabetic Pancake Recipe
Recipe Ingredients:
1 cup Fiber One cereal
1 egg
1 1/4 cups buttermilk or milk
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup Gold Medal all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup fresh or frozen
½ cup chopped strawberries(optional addition on top of pancakes).
Cooking Instructions:
1. Crush cereal if desired. Beat egg in medium bowl. Stir in buttermilk, oil
and cereal; let stand about 5 minutes or until cereal is softened.
2. Stir in remaining ingredients except blueberries; beat with wire whisk or
fork until blended. Gently stir in blueberries.
3. Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat or to 375 degrees. Grease
griddle if necessary.
4. For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle (if batter is too
thick, stir in additional milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until as thin as
desired). Cook pancakes until puffed and full of bubbles but before bubbles
break. Turn and cook other sides until golden brown.
5. Add strawberries if desire too.
Source: "American Diabetes Association at http://www.diabetes.org" S(Formatted for
MC6): "09-30-2002 by Joe Comiskey - jcomiskey@krypto.net" Copyright:
"© American Diabetes Association, 1999"
Lunch Time Meal
Before lunch test your blood, following the video or steps.
Diabetic Turkey Chili
Recipe Ingredients:
2 cups Chopped cooked turkey
1 Garlic clove, minced
1 medium Onion, chopped
17 ounces Can red kidney beans
6 ounces Can tomato paste
28 ounces Can tomatoes
1 Bay leaf
1 tablespoon Chili powder (or 2 to taste)
1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
Cooking Instructions:
1. Combine the turkey, garlic, onion, and green pepper in a nonstick skillet.
Sauté until the vegetables are soft. Add the remaining ingredients and
cover.
2. Simmer over low heat for 30 to 60 minutes or until the flavors are
blended.
Diabetic Herb-Encrusted Baked Fish for Dinner:
Recipe Ingredients:
 Nonstick cooking spray
 1 1/2 teaspoons snipped fresh basil
 1 1/2 teaspoons snipped fresh tarragon
 1 1/2 teaspoons snipped fresh thyme
 1/4 teaspoon salt
 pinch ground black pepper
 1 1/2 pounds haddock or scrod
 juice of 2 limes (about 6 tablespoons)
 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut in small chunks, or butter-flavored substitute
 Lemon and lime slices, for garnish
Cooking Ingredients:
1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2) Lightly coat a 13x9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3) Place the basil, tarragon, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix
thoroughly.
4) Place the haddock in the prepared baking pan and sprinkle with half of the
herb mixture; turn the fish over, and sprinkle the remaining herb mixture
over the fish.
5) Drizzle the lime juice over and around the fish and top with the butter or
butter-flavored substitute.
6) Bake about 30 minutes or until the fish is flaky when tested with a fork,
turning once during baking.
7) Garnish with lemon and lime slices.
In Conclusion: You will want to make sure you are speaking with your
health care provider for the appropriate times to check your sugar. The best
suggestion is before, and after each meal. You must first wait one hour before
and after to get the best results.
Agencies and Help Centers
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC)
1 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3560
Phone: 1–800–860–8747
Fax: 703–738–4929
Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov
Mission: “To serve as diabetes information, educational, and referral resource
for health professionals and the public”.
American Dietetic Association (ADA)
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606–6995
Internet: www.eatright.org (Click on "Find a Nutrition Professional")
Mission: “To promote quality nutrition care and education”.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)
1000 Riverside Avenue, Suite 200
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: 904–353–7878
Fax: 904–353–8185
Internet: www.aace.com
Mission: “AADE is a multi-disciplinary organization of more than 10,000
health professionals dedicated to advocating quality diabetes education and
care”.
Sources:
1) http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002072.htm
2) "American Diabetes Association at http://www.diabetes.org"
S(Formatted for MC6): "09-30-2002 by Joe Comiskey jcomiskey@krypto.net" Copyright: "© American Diabetes Association,
1999"
3) Source: "American Diabetes Association at http://www.diabetes.org"
S(Formatted for MC6): "09-30-2002 by Joe Comiskey jcomiskey@krypto.net" Copyright: "© American Diabetes Association,
1999"
4) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMMpeLLgdgY