Managing Diabetes
An initial diagnosis of diabetes may leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. That’s why we’re here. Soon after you've been diagnosed with diabetes by your physician, you will meet with a Diabetes Educator at St. Luke's Diabetes Education.
For your first appointment, we encourage you to bring a loved one with you. Supportive family members can play a vital role in helping you develop a healthy meal plan, exercising, keeping track of medications and self-care tasks.
Blood sugar monitoring
Keeping your blood sugar level within a certain range is the best way to stay healthy. A simple blood self-test can tell you what your blood sugar level is.
To help you manage your blood sugar levels throughout the day, download a blood sugar log book page here.
Meal planning
Eating raises your blood sugar. By learning how different foods affect your blood sugar level, you can plan healthy and enjoyable meals.
Stay active
Staying active is always a great idea to help your body function at its best. Exercise usually lowers your blood sugar, but sometimes it has the opposite effect. You can avoid problems by balancing exercise with meal planning and medication.
Quit smoking
Smoking greatly increases your risk for complications of diabetes. At St. Luke’s, we can provide you with the resources to quit for good.
Taking insulin
Not all persons diagnosed with diabetes will need insulin. Insulin can help lower your blood sugar. St. Luke's diabetes educators will work closely with you to determine if there is a need for insulin and if so, will teach you how to use insulin. Click here to learn more about insulin pump therapy.
Treatment options
There are many options for treating diabetes. To determine your optimal treatment plan, discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
Family support
St. Luke's offers a program, Families Together: Managing Diabetes for those supporting someone with diabetes. Topics covered over these seven individualized meetings include: grieving and loss, coping with loss of control and changes in self-image, anxiety management, stages of change, assertive communication and recognizing the symptoms of depression. For more information, please call 319/369-7952.
Support group
You don’t need to do it all on your own. St. Luke's facilitates a support group for people with diabetes and their family members. The support group meets monthly (with the exception of some summer months and close to the holidays). For more information, please call 319/369-7440.
