Monitoring your blood sugar is a great way to learn how your body responds to your meals, exercise, and medications and lets you know if your levels are safe. To ensure an accurate blood sugar reading, avoid this common mistake: Pricking your finger without washing it first. Wash your hands with soap and water before pricking your finger. No, licking your finger doesn't really clean it. Alcohol pads are not as effective as plain soap and water. The dirty stuff gets moved around but but not washed down the sink. Many people don't bother with this step. But studies have shown … [Read more...]
Seven Critical Mistakes Made by People With Diabetes
Seven Critical Mistakes and How to Avoid Them if You Have Diabetes Like so many of you, I've learned many lessons the hard way. That was the case with James, my first husband who had diabetes for 10 years when I met him. I didn't know much about diabetes back then and it was not even on my radar screen to talk to him about it. Because James took insulin I assumed he knew about diabetes. Tragically, I was wrong. Over the next few years the devastating complications associated with diabetes emerged: blindness, nerve damage, kidney failure and ultimately, death. Fortunately for you, there is … [Read more...]
