M. Regina Castro - Mayo Clinic The Essential Diabetes Book: How to Prevent, Manage and Live Well with Diabetes

Mayo Clinic Press

Medical Editor |M. Regina Castro, M.D.

Publisher |Daniel J. Harke

Editor in Chief |Nina E. Wiener

Senior Editor |Karen R. Wallevand

Managing Editor |Rachel A. Haring Bartony

Art Director |Stewart J. Koski

Illustration, Photography and Production |Paul W. Honermann, Daniel J. Hubert, Joanna R. King, Michael A. King, Amanda J. Knapp, M. Alice McKinney, Steven D. Orwoll, Gunnar T. Soroos

Editorial Research Librarians |Abbie Y. Brown, Anthony J. Cook, Edward (Eddy) S. Morrow Jr., Erika A. Riggin, Katherine (Katie) J. Warner

Copy Editors |Miranda M. Attlesey, Donna L. Hanson, Nancy J. Jacoby, Julie M. Maas

Indexer |Steve Rath

Contributors |Ana L. Creo, M.D.; Donald D. Hensrud, M.D., M.S.; Anna L. Kasper, R.N., CDCES; Heather L. LaBruna; Pankaj Shah, M.D.; Vinaya Simha, M.B.B.S, M.D.; Carmen M. Terzic, M.D., Ph.D.; Laura M. Waxman; Mark D. Williams, M.D.; Gina R. Wimmer, RDN, LD

Image Credits |The individuals pictured are models, and the photos are used for illustrative purposes only. All photographs and illustrations are copyright of MFMER except for the following:

NAME: Shutterstock_125297753.psd/PAGE: 21/CREDIT: Shutterstock NAME: Shutterstock1409211338.psd/PAGE: 41/CREDIT: Shutterstock NAME: Shutterstock_570006436.psd/PAGE: 49/CREDIT: Shutterstock NAME: Shutterstock_503626594.psd/PAGE: 54/CREDIT: Shutterstock NAME: Shutterstock_1825812650.psd/PAGE: 63/CREDIT: Shutterstock NAME: Shutterstock_1072994900.psd/PAGE: 85/CREDIT: Shutterstock NAME: Shutterstock_1072994900.psd/PAGE: 87/CREDIT: Shutterstock NAME: Shutterstock_1072994900.psd/PAGE: 97/CREDIT: Shutterstock NAME: Shutterstock_670209337.psd/PAGE: 101/CREDIT: Shutterstock NAME: Shutterstock_429214114.psd/PAGE: 120/CREDIT: Shutterstock NAME: iStock-125142926.psd/PAGE: 191/CRDIT: Getty NAME: shutterstock_1289843290.psd/PAGE: 216/CREDIT: Shutterstock NAME: shutterstock_680568412.jpg/PAGE: 288/CREDIT: Shutterstock

Published by Mayo Clinic Press

2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER)

MAYO, MAYO CLINIC and the Mayo triple-shield logo are marks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. This book is intended only as an informative guide for those wishing to learn more about health issues. It is not intended to replace, countermand or conflict with advice given to you by your own physician. The ultimate decision concerning your care should be made between you and your doctor. Information in this book is offered with no guarantees. The author and publisher disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.

For bulk sales to employers, member groups and health-related companies, contact Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 or email ..

ISBN 978-1-893005-79-2

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021947773

Some images within this content were created prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and may not demonstrate proper pandemic protocols. Please follow all recommended CDC guidelines for masking and social distancing.

A key element of managing diabetes successfully is having the support of a knowledgeable and experienced diabetes care team. Look for professionals who will support you, educate you and help you make informed decisions in your care throughout all phases of your life. Members of your diabetes care team may include the following people:

• Primary diabetes care provider. This is a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant who provides your basic diabetes care. This person may also be your primary care provider, who oversees all of your health care in addition to diabetes care.
• Diabetes specialist. If your treatment involves intensive insulin therapy, you will likely see an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in diabetes and other diseases related to the hormone (endocrine) system. The endocrinologist on your team oversees your insulin treatment plan and often works with your primary diabetes care provider.
• Certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES). This professional has passed a national exam focused on diabetes education and is certified to teach and empower people with diabetes to successfully manage their disease. Although a CDCES is often a registered nurse or a registered dietitian, other professionals such as doctors, physician assistants and pharmacists also may be certified.
• Registered dietitian nutritionist. A registered dietitian nutritionist works with you to develop a sustainable and customized healthy-eating plan to help manage your blood glucose levels.
• Mental health provider. A psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker who understands diabetes and your management needs can help you navigate the emotional challenges of living with diabetes. This person can also help with separate but related conditions such as depression or anxiety that may impact your ability to fully self-manage your diabetes.
• Eye doctor. An eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) who has expertise in diabetes-related eye problems can help detect early signs of eye diseases and educate you on their prevention or possible treatment options.
• Foot doctor. A foot doctor (podiatrist) with expertise in diabetes-related foot problems can detect and treat foot problems, such as calluses or sores, and help you prevent future problems.
• Other professionals. Depending on your needs, you may benefit from seeing a kidney specialist (nephrologist), nerve specialist (neurologist) or heart specialist (cardiologist). Look for professionals who have experience in caring for people with diabetes.

Most people want to live a long and healthy life. Often, the desire for longevity is motivated by a desire to achieve something be it a personal or professional accomplishment. Maybe you want to raise a family, be a teacher or a professional athlete, travel the world, or simply spend time with those you love.

Although you may have great genes on your side, no one is guaranteed health and longevity. Today, more than ever, you have to assume responsibility for your future and play an active role in protecting your health. This is especially true if you are living with or at risk of diabetes.

The good news is that despite the challenges you may be facing, there are multiple opportunities to improve and protect your health. Our goal mine and those of the other contributors to this book is to help you identify and act upon those opportunities. And in encouraging this action, we hope to keep you on the path to good health.

Diabetes is serious and increasingly common. But you can learn how to successfully manage the disease and lead a long, healthy and productive life.

In this third edition of Mayo Clinic The Essential Diabetes Book, we provide you with key steps to managing diabetes. This includes essential advice on how to monitor your blood sugar, how to eat better, how to become more physically active, how to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight, and how to get the most from your medications. If you have a child with diabetes, youll also learn practical tips, including on how to recognize key signs and symptoms, involving your child in diabetes care, and coping with the emotional aspects of diabetes.