Special Considerations - Accu-Chek, Diabetes Information, Learn More About Diabetes

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Special Considerations

A person with diabetes can do everything their doctor tells them to, yet stress, hormonal changes, or illness can lead to unpredictable results. If a person you care about has diabetes, you should be aware of how to deal with the potential problems that may result.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

a person with diabetes hasn't had enough to eat, has taken too much insulin, exercised vigorously, or has an infection-or sometimes for no apparent reason-their blood sugar can fall too low. This is what people used to call an "insulin reaction." Today, it's more likely to be called "hypoglycemia" or "a blood sugar low."

Low blood sugar isn't pleasant. The person experiencing it may feel shaky, hungry, nervous, confused, or have a headache. You may notice them sweating, getting cranky, or even walking strangely. Understand that their irritability isn't directed at you. Each person is different, so find out what blood sugar level constitutes a low in the person you know, as well as what the symptoms look (and feel) like. Then find out how to treat it.

Many people follow the 15-15 rule eating 15 grams of carbohydrates and then waiting 15 minutes to see how it affects the blood sugar. This can be repeated until blood sugar levels return to normal. The carbohydrate can be fruit juice, hard candy, or special glucose tablets they keep on hand.

In a case of severe hypoglycemia, call 911. If blood sugar drops too low, a person can have a seizure or lose consciousness. If you're close to the person with diabetes, you should know what to do in an emergency. This may include giving them a glucagon injection-providing a hormone that stimulates the liver to release stored blood sugar quickly. A diabetes educator can provide the training you need to perform the injection.

Sick Days

Sure, anyone can catch a cold or the flu. But for people with diabetes, a bug can make it very hard to keep blood sugar under control. Why? Stress hormones released when you're ill can raise blood sugar. Plus, it can be harder to stick to a meal plan. Vomiting and dehydration further complicate the situation.

Everyone with diabetes should have a specific sick day plan worked out with the doctor in advance. Talk about this with your friend or family member, so you'll know what to do. People who rely on insulin, for example, should never stop taking it, even if they aren't hungry. Frequent testing will help them monitor blood sugar levels. If they are too sick to eat or can't keep solid foods down, they can get the necessary carbohydrates from ginger ale, non-diet soda, juice, ice pops, or gelatin. If they can't eat at all, just sipping small amounts of these foods hourly will help.

Also, keep in mind that over-the-counter cold medicines can have added sugar, and other treatments can have unexpected effects on blood sugar. That's why it's always important to talk to your doctor before taking any new medications.

Sexual Issues

If you're in a relationship with a person with diabetes, it's important to understand that high blood sugar can, over a long period of time, have some sexual side effects. For women, this can mean reduced sex drive and lubrication. For men, damage to the small blood vessels of the penis can result in erectile dysfunction-the inability to maintain an erection during intercourse. Fortunately, there are answers to all these issues.

Understanding that these potential problems exist and working as a team with the doctor will help you find a solution.