| Abstract: |
This article presents some common issues that are important for managing diabetes by grouping them into brief suggestions or reminders in six sections: insulin; blood glucose monitoring; hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia; medications; kidney complications, or diabetic nephropathy; and eye complications, or diabetic retinopathy. The author presents this information in a brief, easy-to-read format, to bring readers up to date and to prevent being overwhelmed with the mass of information that is available on diabetes. Specific topics covered include the use of insulin in type 2 diabetes, insulin storage, blood glucose meter accuracy, health insurance coverage for test strips, the importance of written records, how to treat hyperglycemia, how to treat hypoglycemia, symptoms, different types of medications available for type 2 diabetes, individual responses to medication, the role of a pharmacist, why kidneys get damaged by diabetes, recommended screening tests for kidney function, blood pressure control, annual screening for eye problems, and the role of cholesterol. |