New ways to manage Type 2 Diabetes
By Jackie Robertson
Kaufman County Extension Agent
MABANK–Do you feel like you need to know more about how to
take care of your type two diabetes?
If you were recently diagnosed or you have had diabetes a
long time, you can benefit from learning the latest
information on taking care of yourself so you can reduce
your risks for complications, such as reduced vision or
nerve pain.
An important tool for managing your diabetes is your glucose
meter. Some people avoid checking their blood glucose
because pricking their fingers for a sample hurts too much.
Some people were taught the best place to get a blood sample
is the central part of their finger tip, which is actually
the most sensitive part of the finger tip.
Pricking your finger in that spot is going to hurt more than
the side of your fingertip. Learning how to test on the side
of the fingertip instead significantly reduces pain.
Furthermore, most meters and strips today allow you to check
your blood glucose in other sites, such as on your arm
between your elbow and wrist.
New lancet sets allow you to reduce the depth of the needle
prick and to use a thinner needle because smaller drops of
blood are required to get a good reading. Many people report
their pain and discomfort are reduced to almost nothing once
they get new equipment and learn how to use it properly.
Have you heard about insulin pens or new insulins that
control your blood glucose with no peaks for greater than a
24 hour period? Just what is rapid acting insulin, and why
do so many people like to use it? There are many new oral
medicines, too. Do you really have to use alcohol when you
prick your finger or give your insulin injection?
Do you understand what your doctor is telling you when she
says your hemoglobin A1C is too high? Is 8 percent too high
when less than 7 percent is the recommendation by the
American Diabetes Association?
While taking care of your diabetes is not easy, you might be
surprised to learn that there are many new tools and methods
to help you keep your blood glucose in the recommended
ranges.
Texas AgriLife Extension Service Kaufman County is offering
a four class series with nine topics called Do Well, Be Well
with Diabetes.
These classes are being taught by a team of volunteers,
nurses, dietitians, and other health professionals to
provide you with the latest information on how to better
manage your Type 2 Diabetes. Self-management of Type 2
Diabetes has changed a lot.
Come to these classes and learn how to not only make your
life with diabetes easier, but how to reduce your chances
for complications.
Classes are $15 and are set for 2-4 p.m., Wednesday March 21
and 28, and April 4 and 11, at the Tri-County Library in
Mabank.
To enroll, call Kaufman County Extension office at (972)
932-9069.
Life Line Screening available March 26
Special to The Monitor
GUN BARREL CITY–Life Line Screening will offer its services
at the LakeRidge RV Park at 9 a.m. Monday, March 26.
Screenings identify potential cardiovascular conditions such
as blocked arteries, irregular heart rhythm, abdominal
aortic aneurysms and hardening of the arteries in the leg,
which is a strong predictor of heart disease.
A bone density screening assesses osteoporosis risk and is
appropriate for both men and women.
Some facts about strokes include:
• stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading
cause of permanent disability.
• 80 percent of stroke victims had no apparent warning signs
prior to their stroke.
• preventative ultrasound screenings can help prevent
strokes.
• screenings are fast, noninvasive, painless, affordable and
convenient.
Prices start at $149 and all five screenings take 60 to 90
minutes to complete. Pre-registration is required.
LakeRidge RV Park is located at 301 W. Main Street in Gun
Barrel City.
For more information, regarding the screenings or to
schedule an appointment, call 1 (877) 237-1287 or go to
www.lifelinescreening.com.
Come Adopt
Us At
The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake |
|
 We
have many animals at the
Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake
in Seven Points
in dire need of a good home.
Please call or stop by the Humane Society today
and rescue one of these forgotten animals.
The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake
is located on
10220 County Road 2403 in Seven Points.
For more information, please call
(903) 432-3422 after 11 a.m.
We are closed on Wednesday. |
|
For further
information visit our website at
petfinder.com |
