By Dr. Victor Abreu, Clinical Pharmacist at NHC Milwaukie Medical Clinic and NHC Canby Medical and Dental Clinic

NHC Clinical Pharmacist Victor Abreu, PharmD

Sometimes managing diabetes can feel overwhelming. Many people have difficulty keeping their blood sugar levels in check. It's important to stay on top of daily habits to maintain control.

Just as each body is different, so is each person's reaction to low or high blood sugar. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person and can happen quickly, so it's important to learn the signs and symptoms of when your blood sugar levels are low or high.

Common signs of high blood sugar are increased thirst, hunger, frequent urination, tiredness, and blurred vision. Common signs of low blood sugar are headache, sweating, nervousness, and nausea. Some people with diabetes may not notice symptoms until their levels are extremely high or low. There are a few simple tips to manage your diabetes and minimize incidents of super high or super low blood sugar.

• Focus on simple lifestyle changes. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet low in processed carbs and sugars, and consistent blood sugar monitoring. Consistent monitoring is key to getting a hold on uncontrolled diabetes.
• Choose low-sugar snacks over sugary options. Avoid sugary snacks that can cause sudden blood sugar spikes. Instead, choose high-fiber, low-sugar options like nuts, seeds, and vegetables to help keep levels stable throughout the day.
• Take your medication as prescribed. Take your diabetes medications as prescribed and avoid skipping doses. Missing doses can lead to dangerous spikes in blood sugar levels, which can harm your overall health.
• If you have difficulties managing diabetes, talk with your provider. One in five people with diabetes experiences diabetes distress, which is the emotional burden of managing diabetes daily. People with type 1 diabetes or insulin-treated type 2 diabetes experience it more often. Diabetes distress can lead to poor self-management, higher A1C levels, and poor emotional well-being. It’s often mistaken for depression.
• If these tips don’t help, make an appointment. If lifestyle changes and regular medications aren't keeping your blood sugar levels in the target range, schedule an appointment with your provider. You may need to change your medications or try additional treatments.

Did you know that if you're on Medicare and use insulin, you might be eligible to monitor your blood sugar with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)? Talk to your provider about whether a CGM could help you manage your diabetes more effectively.