Joan Clark-Warner - The Complete Idiots Guide to Managing Diabetes Fast-Track

Managing
Diabetes

by Joan Clark-Warner, MS, RD, CDE

A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

ALPHA BOOKS

Published by Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

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Copyright 2013 by Joan Clark-Warner, MS, RD, CDE

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors rights. Purchase only authorized editions. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. For information, address Alpha Books, 800 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

THE COMPLETE IDIOTS GUIDE TO and Design are registered trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-61564-400-1
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2012947179

15 14 13 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Interpretation of the printing code: The rightmost number of the first series of numbers is the year of the books printing; the rightmost number of the second series of numbers is the number of the books printing. For example, a printing code of 13-1 shows that the first printing occurred in 2013.

Printed in the United States of America

Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. If the reader requires personal assistance or advice, a competent professional should be consulted.

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Dedicated to my children, Tricia, Ryan, and Jenny; and their father, David.

If you just found out that you have diabetes, you may be feeling confused, alone, and even terrified by what is happening to your body. You may wonder what kind of a life you will have going forward, and whether you can gain control over your diabetes. As a diabetes educator and gestational diabetic, I can tell you from experience that you can control your diabetes and maintain a great quality of life.

Heres a new twist on an old adage: One step back, two steps forward. We learn from difficulties that arise in our lives. Maybe with diabetes were learning that its the little things in life that are really important, or perhaps we are learning how precious life is. Now is the time for you to take a step forward and learn how precious your life is. Your key to enjoying a full life and feeling better is to learn more about your diabetes.

In The Complete Idiots Guide to Managing Diabetes Fast-Track, you will find the tools you need to stay healthy. This book contains important and updated information on how to care for your diabetes and health in a concise and practical way.

How This Book Is Organized

This book is divided into 10 chapters:

, Defining the Problem, defines diabetes and how to recognize its symptoms. You will learn about the three major types of diabetes and how to treat them. You will also learn about the complications that can occur with diabetes and the risk factors involved.

, Pillars of Managing Diabetes, explains the four approaches to managing diabetes: exercise, medications, diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Included will be an introduction to the diabetes health-care team and explanation of what each medical specialist can offer you in order to get optimal care.

, Medications and Monitoring, provides you with a guide to the best diabetic medications to use in order to avoid complications. It also shows you how to coordinate your medications with diet, how to prevent a low blood sugar, and, what to do if you get a low blood sugar.

, Eating to Control Blood Sugar, illustrates healthy ways to eat while controlling blood sugar. It also talks about the three basic nutrients in food and their impact on your blood sugar. Finally, it provides you with three major meal planning methods.

, Using the Glycemic Index, demonstrates how the glycemic index can be used to control your blood sugar, appetite, and weight status. It also provides you with proven ways to incorporate the GI into your diet.

, Weight Management and Diabetes, provides you with the tools to determine your calorie needs for weight loss or weight maintenance, and for monitoring your calorie intake. It also shows you what to look for when reading a label, and how to adjust insulin with a decreased calorie and carbohydrate intake. Finally, this chapter provides diabetic- and weight-savvy menus to help get you started.