Diabetes Problem and Solution All in One

Diabetes Problem and Solution All in One

Problem solving is an essential skill in diabetes self-management. Your diabetes needs can change from day to day. What works for you most of the time may not work on a particular day. For example, on a day with high stress your blood sugar may be higher than usual or lower than usual. Or, on a day that you are traveling you may cross several time zones and need to change your medication schedule. On a vacation day, you might have a lot more or a lot less physical activity than usual. All of these situations will require some adjustment.

To complicate things even further, your diabetes needs can change gradually over time. What used to work for you may no longer work as your life situation changes and your body changes over time. For example, if you change jobs or retire, your schedule may change, and you might need to make changes in your diabetes management. Or, if you develop arthritis in your hands, you may have less ability to handle small strips for your blood glucose meter. And if you have Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas may gradually lose its ability to make insulin, and you may need to make changes in your eating, physical activity, or medications.

Most diabetes situations have possible solutions. Good solutions need to fit the individual people who have the problem, and that may require some creativity. Fortunately, effective problem-solving is a skill that can be learned. The most effective learning happens when people work together to solve real problems. This recording will give you a few basic ideas to help you get started.