Action Steps if You Use Insulin

  • Follow your meal plan.
  • Don't skip meals, especially if you've already taken your insulin, because your blood glucose may go too low.
  • See your doctor before starting a physical activity programme.
  • Check your blood glucose before, during, and after exercising. Don't exercise when your blood glucose is over 240 or if you have ketones in your urine.
  • Don't exercise right before you go to sleep, because it could cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) during the night.

Keep a daily record of

  • your blood glucose numbers
  • the times of the day you took your insulin
  • the amount and type of insulin you took
  • whether you had ketones in your urine
  • Tell your doctor if you have hypoglycaemia often, especially at the same time of the day or night several times in a row.
  • Tell your doctor if you've passed out from hypoglycaemia.
  • Ask your doctor about glucagon. Glucagon is a medicine that raises blood glucose. If you pass out from hypoglycaemia, someone should call 999 (911 in USA, 112 in Europe) and give you a glucagon shot.
  • Take your insulin, even if you've been throwing up. Ask your doctor about how to adjust your insulin dose, based on your blood glucose test results.

When you travel,

  • Buy special insulated bags to carry your insulin and to keep it from freezing or getting too hot.
  • Take extra needles, insulin, and blood glucose test strips in case of loss or breakage.
  • Ask your doctor for a letter saying that you have diabetes and need insulin shots.

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