Living with diabetes can be an arduous journey for many; however, monitoring blood sugar levels is a crucial component in managing it. It’s the key to ensuring people living with this condition stay healthy and active throughout their lives. With advances in technology, tracking one’s blood glucose has become simpler than ever before. In this article, we’ll look at how individuals are able to successfully manage their diabetes through regular monitoring of their blood sugar levels.
For those who live with diabetes, maintaining healthy habits such as eating well and exercising regularly is essential for controlling symptoms. The most important factor in achieving these goals is measuring and recording your daily blood glucose level. Knowing your numbers will help you make informed decisions about food choices, physical activity, and medical treatments that could improve your health outcomes over time.
Monitoring one’s own blood glucose has never been easier thanks to modern-day advancements like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). These devices have revolutionized the way diabetics track their blood sugar on a daily basis by providing real-time information which they can use to adjust their lifestyle accordingly. This article will discuss the various ways of accurately measuring your glucose levels so that you can take control of your diabetes management plan today!
Definition
Monitoring blood sugar levels is a critical part of diabetes management. Diabetes, which can be type 1 or 2, refers to a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood glucose levels over an extended period of time. The definition of diabetes includes symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. A1c testing is used to diagnose the condition and measure average blood sugar levels over the past three months.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin, while type 2 diabetes results from either insufficient production of insulin or the body’s inability to properly use it. Type 1 requires regular administration of insulin injections while type 2 may be managed through diet changes and oral medications. Both types require careful monitoring of blood sugar levels by checking with a glucometer and recording readings multiple times a day.
Blood sugar level fluctuations have important implications for health outcomes in people with diabetes. Accurately monitoring these values allows individuals to take preventative measures and adjust their treatment plans accordingly to ensure optimal well-being. As such, understanding how different lifestyle choices affect one’s own personal glucose readings is essential for successful self-management. Moving forward, we will explore the role that daily habits play in controlling blood sugar levels in those who live with diabetes.
The Role Of Blood Sugar
Unbelievably, our blood sugar levels play a critical role in managing diabetes and its long-term effects. Blood sugar, or glucose, is the food that feeds the cells throughout our body – and having accurate readings of these levels can be essential to controlling it. Here are some key points about why monitoring your blood sugar is so important:
* It helps you manage diabetes by tracking changes in glucose over time
* Glucose measurements tell you how much insulin to take
* Monitoring provides insight into your overall health
By tracking glucose regularly with tests such as A1C, individuals who have type 1 diabetes can adjust their diet and medications accordingly. This allows them to keep their blood sugars within normal ranges while avoiding dangerous spikes or drops. For those living with type 2 diabetes, regular testing also ensures they’re following healthy lifestyle habits which will minimize complications down the road. By keeping track of their glucose numbers on a regular basis, people with either type of diabetes can get an accurate picture of their current metabolic status and make necessary adjustments when needed.
The importance of maintaining proper blood sugar levels cannot be overstated; it’s one of the most reliable ways to ensure good management for both types of diabetes over the long term. With just a little effort put into monitoring this vital sign every day, we can all stay on top of our health and live healthier lives! Picking up from here, let’s explore what A1C tests involve next.
A1c Tests
The A1C test, also known as the glycated hemoglobin test, is an important tool for measuring diabetes control. It provides a long-term average of your blood sugar levels over the past three months. The results are measured in percentages and indicate how well you have been managing your glucose tests during that period.
It’s recommended that people with Type 1 or 2 diabetes get their A1C tested twice a year to track progress and make changes if needed. However, some healthcare providers may suggest more frequent testing depending on individual needs.
During the test, a sample of your blood is taken from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab for analysis. The results usually come back within two weeks and allow physicians to adjust medications or treatment plans accordingly — ensuring better management of diabetes symptoms and improved quality of life overall.
Moving forward, it’s essential to understand how to check blood sugar levels at home using self-monitoring devices or kits available in stores.
Checking Blood Sugar Levels At Home
The American Diabetes Association reports that over 30 million people in the United States have diabetes, and an even larger number are at risk of developing it. Checking blood sugar levels at home is an important step for those with diabetes to help maintain their health. It can be done easily with a home glucose monitor or a blood sugar testing kit.
Blood sugar monitors allow users to track their glucose levels throughout the day by taking small drops of blood from their fingertips and providing readings within seconds. These devices are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and accuracy as well as being cost-effective alternatives to regular doctor visits. Home glucose monitoring kits provide similar results but require more manual manipulation, including calibrating strips before use, drawing samples on test strips, then using a meter for reading results.
For both options, checking your own blood sugar levels at home helps you better manage your diabetes without having to make frequent trips to the doctor’s office. With regular testing, you can adjust your daily routine accordingly if necessary and prevent any long-term complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Regularly monitoring your own blood sugar also gives you peace of mind knowing that all is going according to plan with respect to managing your condition properly.
Following proper instructions when utilizing either device will ensure accurate readings and successful management of diabetes through self-monitoring of one’s own blood sugar levels at home. Moving forward we’ll discuss fasting glucose tests which may be used in tandem with these methods for further insight into overall diabetic health management strategies.
Fasting Glucose Tests
Fasting glucose tests are a common way to monitor blood sugar levels. This test requires the patient to fast for eight hours before having their blood drawn and tested. A fasting glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher is considered pre-diabetes, while a reading of 200 mg/dL or more indicates diabetes. The results of this test can help diagnose the condition and provide guidance on the next steps in terms of diet and lifestyle changes, medications, and treatments that may be necessary to manage it effectively.
Glucose tolerance tests involve drinking a sugary liquid after an overnight fast and then measuring your blood sugar levels two hours later. Those with prediabetes symptoms will have readings between 140 – 199 mg/dL. Diabetes control efforts should begin when results reach 200 mg/dL or greater. Knowing one’s risk factors such as age, weight, family history, ethnicity, etc., can also be helpful in identifying those who need monitoring more closely or could benefit from preventive measures like regular exercise and healthier dietary habits.
By paying attention to these key indicators through fasting glucose tests and oral glucose tolerance testing (discussed in the subsequent section), people can better understand how well they’re managing diabetes—or preventing its onset if there’s no diagnosis yet—and take positive steps towards improved health outcomes. Making small adjustments over time often leads to big improvements in overall well-being; thus tracking one’s numbers is essential for optimal care management. Transitioning now into discussing the oral glucose tolerance test…
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is an important tool for monitoring blood sugar levels. This test evaluates the body’s ability to process glucose, or blood sugar, and provides valuable information that can help diagnose diabetes and other medical issues.
To begin the OGTT, a person fasts overnight and then drinks a solution containing 75 grams of glucose. Then, their blood sugar levels are measured at intervals over the following two hours. During this time, several things occur:
* The body absorbs the glucose from the drink.
* The pancreas releases insulin in response to rising glucose concentrations in the bloodstream.
* Cells absorb and use carbohydrates from the bloodstream as fuel.
* Insulin helps regulate metabolism by facilitating the transport of sugars out of the bloodstream into cells for energy production or storage in tissues such as muscle and liver for later use.
The results of the OGTT provide insight into how well these processes are functioning. A normal result indicates no diabetes diagnosis; however, if any one part of this system isn’t working properly, it could indicate prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. By understanding what happens during an OGTT, healthcare professionals can accurately assess individuals’ risk factors for developing chronic health conditions related to high blood sugar level changes over time.
From here we move onto another important component of monitoring blood sugar levels – measuring glycated hemoglobin levels.
Glycated Hemoglobin Test
Could glycated hemoglobin be the key to diagnosing diabetes? The answer is yes. This test, also known as the A1C test, measures your average blood sugar level over a period of three months and helps determine if you have diabetes or are at risk for developing it.
Glycated hemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells) that has glucose attached to it. When someone’s fasting blood glucose levels are consistently high, their body produces more glycated hemoglobin than normal. This increased amount can then be measured with an A1C test. If your result is higher than 6%, this may indicate that you have diabetes or pre-diabetes; however, additional tests will need to be done to confirm the diagnosis.
The A1C test provides valuable information about how well someone’s diabetes management plan is working and whether changes need to be made in order to reduce their risk of complications from the condition. It is important for people living with diabetes or who are at risk for it to get tested regularly so they can stay healthy and prevent any potential long-term issues associated with high blood sugar levels. Transitioning into the next section, we’ll explore some common risk factors for elevated blood sugar levels.
Risk Factors For High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a serious condition with potential long-term health risks. There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing high levels of glucose in the blood including:
* Diabetes – Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes involve an inability to regulate blood sugar levels properly.
* Family History – Having a family history of diabetes increases your chances of having high glucose levels.
* Unhealthy Diet – Eating a diet high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugars can cause spikes in blood sugar.
* Smoking – Tobacco use has been linked to higher-than-normal glucose readings.
* Sedentary Lifestyle – Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain which can further increase one’s risk for elevated glucose levels.
Being aware of these risk factors allows individuals to take steps towards prevention through lifestyle changes like eating healthier and exercising regularly. It is also important to recognize early signs and symptoms so action may be taken as soon as possible before any lasting damage occurs from prolonged exposure to high sugar concentrations in the bloodstream.
Symptoms Of High Blood Sugar
While most of us are familiar with the common symptoms of high blood sugar, there may be a few more that could indicate an issue. Like a red flag waving in the wind, these symptoms serve as a warning to seek medical advice and take corrective action before it is too late.
Excessive thirst can arise from dehydration due to frequent urination caused by elevated glucose levels in your bloodstream. Blurred vision is another symptom you should watch out for. This occurs when glucose builds up in the lens of the eye, resulting in poor focus and cloudy sight. It’s important to get this checked right away because if left untreated, blurred vision can lead to permanent damage or even blindness. Fatigue is another classic sign that something isn’t quite right; feeling exhausted all day long despite getting enough sleep at night means it’s time to pay attention to your body. Lastly, rapid weight loss is also indicative of high blood sugar levels since excess sugars cannot enter cells without insulin, which results in burning stored fat instead of energy—leading to unhealthy weight loss over time.
As you can see, identifying signs of high blood sugar early on can make all the difference between managing it effectively or suffering health consequences down the line. Now that we have discussed monitoring blood sugar levels and recognizing its risk factors and symptoms, let’s move on to some diet and exercise tips for controlling them.
Diet And Exercise Tips To Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Good diet and exercise habits are key to managing blood sugar levels. Dietary changes, such as eating more healthily, can help people with diabetes control their condition better overall. Eating foods that are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber can keep blood sugar from rising too quickly after meals. Additionally, regular physical activity is important for blood sugar management. Exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively and increases the amount of glucose taken up by cells.
For those looking to begin exercising regularly, it’s important to start slow and gradually increase intensity over time. Regular walking or jogging is a great way to get started on an exercise routine for diabetes control. For those who want a bit more challenge, activities like biking or swimming also provide good cardiovascular benefits without putting too much strain on joints. Whatever type of exercise individuals choose, they should always remember to stay hydrated during workouts and take breaks if needed.
Overall, combining healthy dietary choices with regular physical activity will have immense benefits when trying to manage blood sugar levels. This combination will not only help regulate diabetes but improve overall health as well. Transitioning into herbal remedies now might offer additional assistance in lowering blood sugar levels even further!
Herbal Remedies To Lower Blood Sugar
Herbal remedies have long been used to naturally lower blood sugar levels, with traditional treatments being passed down through generations. Nowadays, the use of herbal supplements for diabetes control is becoming increasingly popular in modern health care. Natural remedies offer a safe and effective way to reduce high glucose levels and improve overall health.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that those looking to supplement their diet with natural herbs should consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional before doing so. Commonly prescribed herbal medicines include cinnamon, bitter melon, aloe vera juice, fenugreek seed extract, ginseng root extract, and Gymnema Sylvestre leaf powder. Each herb has its own unique properties which may help to regulate insulin production as well as aid digestion and metabolism rate.
In addition to taking medicinal herbs, making dietary changes can also play an important role in helping to manage diabetes effectively. Eating foods such as green leafy vegetables, legumes, and nuts are all excellent sources of vitamins and minerals that can assist in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Regular exercise will also help ensure optimal health results when it comes to controlling diabetes naturally.
By combining beneficial lifestyle habits with quality herbal supplements, people living with type 2 diabetes can work towards managing their condition safely and responsibly. Making these simple changes now could lead to better health outcomes later on in life – something worth striving for! With this knowledge under your belt, you’ll be ready to explore over-the-counter medications designed to control blood sugar levels next.
Over-The-Counter Medications To Control Blood Sugar Levels
Over-the-counter medications can be used to help control blood sugar levels. Many people turn to these medications as a way to manage their diabetes or pre-diabetes without the required involvement of a doctor or healthcare provider. Though they are not always effective in treating high blood sugar, over-the-counter medications may provide some relief from symptoms and lower your readings temporarily.
The most popular type of over-the-counter medication for controlling blood sugar is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, which slows down digestion and helps keep glucose levels steady. There are many different brands available on the market including Glyset®, GlucophageXR®, and Precose®. Additionally, some dietary supplements like chromium picolinate have been found to improve insulin sensitivity and potentially reduce fasting glucose levels in diabetics.
It’s important to remember that while over-the-counter medications can provide temporary symptom relief, they cannot replace a healthy diet and lifestyle changes necessary for long-term health benefits. When making decisions about how best to control blood sugar levels, it’s wise to consult with a medical professional before taking any new supplement or medication. With this advice in hand, we now move on to exploring prescription medications used to treat high blood sugar levels.
Prescription Medications To Treat High Blood Sugar Levels
Prescription medications can be an effective way to treat high blood sugar levels. When it comes to diabetes control, many people rely on these medicines for the treatment of uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Each type of prescription medication has its own particular set of characteristics and side effects that should be reviewed with a medical professional before taking them.
The most commonly prescribed types of medications are insulin analogs (synthetic human insulin) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2). Insulin analogs work by helping the body utilize glucose more efficiently while SGLT2 helps reduce the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. These two drugs have been approved by the FDA as safe and effective treatments for type 2 diabetes.
In addition to traditional prescription medications, there are also herbal remedies available that may help lower blood sugar levels. While research into their efficacy is still ongoing, some studies suggest they may offer potential benefits for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes when used in conjunction with other therapies. Herbal supplements such as cinnamon, ginseng, fenugreek, alpha lipoic acid, and chromium picolinate may help improve your overall health while controlling your blood sugar levels at the same time.
With various options available to treat high blood sugar levels, it’s important to discuss all possible solutions with your healthcare provider so you can make an informed decision about which approach is right for you. Surgery is often recommended as a last resort option when other methods fail to achieve adequate diabetes control.
Surgery For Diabetes Control
Surgery for diabetes control is an increasingly popular option for those who have not achieved success with traditional methods. Surgery is used to reduce blood sugar levels and achieve better long-term health outcomes. It’s important to note that surgery should be considered only after other options such as medication, lifestyle changes, or nutrition therapy have been attempted without success.
The most common type of diabetes control surgery is bariatric (weight loss) surgery. This procedure reduces the size of the stomach so patients feel full faster, reducing overall food intake and helping them lose weight. Other surgeries include:
* Gastric bypass – alters digestion by creating a smaller stomach pouch and rerouting part of the small intestine
* Sleeve gastrectomy – removes part of the stomach to create a sleeve-shaped organ that limits how much food can be consumed
* Duodenal switch – combines aspects of both gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures
These types of surgery are successful in controlling blood glucose levels for many people with Type 2 Diabetes—as well as in some cases offering remission from their condition entirely. While it does require a considerable time commitment for pre-operative preparation and post-operative care, research shows that this approach can help individuals successfully manage their diabetes over the long term. As always, consulting your physician about any treatments will ensure you make informed decisions on behalf of your health.
With uncontrolled blood sugar levels associated with increased risk for complications ranging from heart disease to stroke, understanding these potential impacts is essential before committing to any form of treatment.
Long-Term Effects Of Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Levels
The long-term effects of uncontrolled blood sugar levels are absolutely staggering. Diabetes complications can range from mild to life-threatening, and the devastating side effects can include heart disease risk, high blood pressure levels, diabetic neuropathy, eye damage, kidney failure, and even stroke or amputation in severe cases.
For those who suffer from diabetes but fail to manage their condition properly, the health risks become increasingly dire as time passes. Not only does it increase a person’s chance of developing dangerous complications like cardiovascular diseases or diabetic neuropathy; it also increases the chances of suffering from other conditions such as retinopathy (eye damage) and nephropathy (kidney failure). All these issues ultimately contribute to a further decline in one’s quality of life with each passing day.
It is thus imperative that individuals take measures to regulate their glucose levels on an ongoing basis by following prescribed treatments and adopting healthy lifestyle habits. This way they will be able to reduce their risk for many serious medical problems caused by elevated glucose concentrations and ensure that they live healthier lives overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Check My Blood Sugar Levels?
It is important to stay on top of your blood sugar levels, but how often should you check them? This depends on the individual and their condition. Blood sugar monitoring may involve testing several times a day or only once a week depending on one’s diagnosis and lifestyle.
Knowing when to check your glucose levels can be daunting. However, it is key in understanding how different foods affect your body as well as being able to take appropriate measures in order to maintain healthy blood sugars. The frequency of checking one’s blood sugar will vary based on diabetes type, medications taken, activity level, and other factors unique to each person.
For those with Type 1 Diabetes, frequent glucose checks are generally recommended throughout both the day and night due to the need for insulin injections. Checking multiple times a day helps people ensure that they’re taking the correct amount at an optimal time for maximum benefit. For those who have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, regular testing is still necessary though less frequent than for Type 1 patients – usually, two-three times per week unless otherwise advised by a doctor or endocrinologist.
No matter what type of diabetes someone has, self-monitoring blood sugar (SMBG) allows individuals to track their own progress and make adjustments accordingly; ultimately leading to better health outcomes over time!
Are There Any Natural Remedies To Help Control Blood Sugar Levels?
Are there any natural remedies to help control blood sugar levels? This is a question that many people with diabetes and pre-diabetics ask. As more individuals strive towards finding solutions outside of the traditional approach, they are turning their attention to natural remedies as an alternative for controlling blood sugar levels.
When it comes to managing blood glucose levels naturally, diet changes, herbal supplements, and exercise programs can all play an important role in achieving success. Making dietary modifications such as incorporating low glycemic index foods into meals or reducing carbohydrate intake may be beneficial in regulating blood glucose levels over time. Additionally, certain herbs have been found to affect insulin secretion and sensitivity when taken consistently; these include bitter melon, fenugreek seeds, garlic, cinnamon, and ginseng.
Finally, physical activity has also proven effective in helping decrease fasting plasma glucose concentrations by increasing tissue sensitivity toward insulin. It’s important to note however that while some studies do suggest positive outcomes from using natural remedies alone, clinical trials need to be conducted before drawing definitive conclusions on safety and efficacy.
Although further research needs to be done within this area of medicine, there appears to be potential for natural remedies to play a part in supporting healthy blood sugar levels. It is recommended that one consults their doctor prior to implementing any lifestyle changes or taking herbal supplements so that any risks associated with doing so can be minimized. Natural approaches should not replace conventional treatments but rather serve as complementary therapies alongside them instead.
The bottom line: There are various strategies available for those looking for alternatives when it comes to maintaining balanced glucose concentrations – all of which should be discussed with healthcare professionals beforehand who will provide guidance based on individual circumstances and health history.
What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Having Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Levels?
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can have devastating long-term effects on the body, making it essential to manage one’s blood sugar properly. If left unchecked, a person may face dire consequences such as diabetes complications or even life-threatening conditions. It is thus critical for anyone with diabetes or pre-diabetes to understand how their A1C test results affect their health in the long run.
The most immediate danger that comes from having uncontrolled blood sugar is an increased risk of heart disease and stroke; high glucose levels cause damage to arteries over time, increasing one’s chances of developing cardiovascular problems later down the line. Furthermore, if not managed correctly, individuals are more likely to suffer from kidney failure and eye diseases like glaucoma. On top of this, poor management of blood sugar could lead to nerve damage which can result in numbness and pain in the extremities. In short, leaving these issues unattended will undoubtedly bring about serious health repercussions in no time at all – almost as quickly as lightning!
In addition to physical harm due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels, mental well-being is also impacted by mismanaged diabetes. People who fail to maintain healthy glucose levels often experience anxiety caused by fear of potential medical complications during routine checkups or lack of quality sleep due to uncomfortable symptoms associated with hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). All these factors add up and eventually lead to feelings of depression and overall dissatisfaction with life – something everyone should strive hard to avoid.
By understanding what happens when you do not take proper care of your blood sugar levels, we become increasingly aware that good control over our condition is a must for living a happy and healthy life without any major worries regarding its future implications. Regular monitoring combined with lifestyle changes is a powerful tool that helps us stay ahead of this potentially dangerous condition before it gets out of hand.
Are There Any Over-The-Counter Medications I Can Take To Help Control My Blood Sugar?
If you are looking for ways to control your blood sugar levels, one option is over-the-counter medications. These can include:
* Blood sugar medications
* Diabetes medications
* Glucose control medications
* Sugar control medications
Medications containing these ingredients can help keep your blood sugar level in check and reduce the risk of serious complications associated with uncontrolled sugar levels. It’s important to talk to a doctor before taking any type of medication as they may need to adjust dosages or monitor potential side effects.
These drugs work by helping your body process glucose more efficiently. They also increase insulin production, which helps regulate how much sugar is released into the bloodstream. In addition, some types of diabetes medication can help lower cholesterol levels too.
There are also lifestyle changes that can be made such as eating healthy meals and exercising regularly, both of which will help maintain good blood sugar levels. As always it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional who can advise on the right treatment plan for you based on your individual circumstances and health goals. Taking proactive steps now could pay off in terms of improved long-term health outcomes in the future.
How Do I Know If I Need To Take An A1c Test?
If you’re wondering whether or not an A1C test is necessary, it’s important to understand what this type of test can tell you. An A1C test provides a measure of your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, helping you and your doctor better manage any underlying conditions related to glucose control. It also allows for more accurate tracking of long-term trends in your blood glucose levels that might otherwise be missed by standard fingerprick tests.
To determine if you need an A1C test, start by talking with your healthcare provider. They will consider factors like age, risk factors, current symptoms, and other health concerns when making their recommendation on whether the test should be done. Generally speaking, those who have diabetes are advised to get an A1C test at least twice per year; however, individuals without diabetes may want to speak with their doctor about getting one done as well depending on certain criteria such as family history or existing medical issues.
Once the results come back from an A1C examination they can provide valuable insight into how well blood glucose levels are being managed overall. For example, someone whose results show higher than normal readings could benefit from lifestyle changes such as improved diet and exercise habits or even medication adjustments if needed. On the flip side, those who see lower-than-expected numbers can gain confidence knowing that their efforts towards managing their condition are paying off—which can help motivate them to stay healthy in the long run!
No matter what the outcome is after undergoing an A1C evaluation and receiving its results, understanding these key pieces of information will allow patients to make informed decisions regarding their health going forward.
Conclusion
I, as a person living with diabetes, understand the importance of monitoring my blood sugar levels. The effects of having uncontrolled blood sugar can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of our numbers and take action if something is off track.
It’s easy to assume that natural remedies are the only way to go when it comes to controlling our blood sugar levels but I know from experience that medications can also help. Over-the-counter medications such as metformin have been proven effective in managing diabetes and even reducing A1C test results over time.
Finally, an annual A1C test is essential for any diabetic because this test provides valuable information about how well your body has been controlling its glucose level over the past two or three months. If you haven’t had one recently, make sure you book an appointment soon so you can keep up with your health and ensure that your diabetes stays under control!