| Abstract: |
This booklet helps readers recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes understand and manage the disease. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic and progressive condition that makes it hard for the body to break food down into energy. The booklet first describes the professionals who may be a part of the patient care team, including an endocrinologist, a registered dietitian, a diabetes educator, and a psychologist or social worker. The booklet then discusses the pathology of type 2 diabetes, the importance of managing the disease, how to check one's blood glucose (sugar), healthy eating, the role of physical activity and exercise, medications and drug therapy, treating high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) and low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) levels, the need for regular doctor's visits, self care, preventive strategies (i.e., preventing hypoglycemia while driving, preparing for emergencies), preparing for special situations (sick days, travel), and where to find emotional support. The brochure is illustrated with full-color drawings of patients and health care providers. The brochure concludes with the contact information for four resource organizations that can provide assistance. The brochure is also available in Spanish. 39 figures. |