Monitoring Your Blood Glucose
Proper management of diabetes is the key to staying healthy and to prevent damage to tissues and body organs. Uncontrolled diabetes in the long term can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness, erectile dysfunction and foot infections.

■  What is Diabetes?
When a person has diabetes, it means there is too much sugar in the body. The body may not have enough of a hormone called insulin, which is needed to regulate blood sugar. Insufficient insulin causes the blood sugar to build up.

Type 2 Diabetes could be due to the failure of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin or the body's cells are resisting the effects of insulin. This disease which usually occurs in middle-age, is reportedly increasing among younger people.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose with a blood glucose monitor helps in diabetes control. By testing your blood glucose level and keeping a record of the results, it lets you know on a day-to-day basis if you need to make changes in your diet, exercise or medication.

A blood glucose monitor is a useful tool to help determine patterns of blood glucose control and identify problem areas so that you can plan ahead to prevent these situations from occurring.

Studies has shown that self-monitoring of blood glucose helps a person with diabetes to achieve better medication compliance, and motivation to make behavioural changes.

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes depends on how well controlled your blood glucose levels are. You may need to take diabetes pills or insulin injections.

Medicating Tips:
● Take your pills or insulin shots at the same times each day
● Follow your doctor's guidelines
● Never miss any pills or insulin shots

Knowing what food to eat and to avoid can help your body to use insulin better. Certain foods help keep your blood sugar in control. Opt for a diet which has a good balance of fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, meats and milk products. Healthy eating will also help you to lose weight and to maintain a desirable weight.

Exercise is an important part of diabetes care. Besides improving your overall fitness and boosting your sense of well-being, it helps to control your blood sugar.

Exercise tips:
● Before you start an exercise program, always consult your doctor.
● Check your blood glucose before exercising and retest your blood glucose after exercise.
● Carry a sugar snack such as fruit or a snack bar in case your blood glucose level is low.
● Wear shoes that fit well.