| Abstract: |
This videotape provides people who have diabetes with information on the basic skills needed to keep blood glucose in the target range and offers tips for incorporating these skills into daily life. Part one focuses on diabetes and related health concerns. One chapter in this segment of the tape explains how diabetes affects the body, what the long term complications are, and how to determine an appropriate blood glucose range. Another chapter examines related health concerns such as smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and excess body weight. Part two deals with blood glucose management, focusing on education, diet, exercise, monitoring, and medications. The chapter on education discusses the importance of education, the diabetes care team, and other resources. The chapter on nutrition provides nutrition guidelines and discusses other aspects of healthy eating. The chapter on exercise explains how to create an exercise plan. Other topics include doing aerobic and weight bearing exercises, keeping exercise fun and safe, and maintaining physical activity. The chapter on blood glucose monitoring focuses on laboratory testing, blood glucose self testing, and self testing techniques. Other topics include blood glucose records, medical emergencies, and equipment and supplies. The chapter on medications focuses on oral medications and insulin. Topics include insulin care, injection, and supplies; hypoglycemia; and medication tracking systems. Part three addresses the challenges of self management and offers strategies to help the viewer balance diabetes management with living. One chapter in this segment focuses on understanding the importance of pattern management, recognizing patterns, and adjusting a treatment plan. Another chapter deals with solving problems associated with sick days, dining out, unusual schedules, travel, special occasions, and holidays. A third chapter discusses lifestyle changes and emotions, focusing on incorporating change into daily life, managing emotions, handling sexual dysfunction and stress, dealing with close relationships, and finding support. The final chapter of the segment offers suggestions on maintaining good health, focusing on foot, skin, eye, and dental care; immunizations; and medical appointment and test scheduling. The video is accompanied by a foldout guide that provides an overview of diabetes self care skills. |