Diabetes Patient Education
Advanced Resources at Washington Township Medical Foundation
Our team at Washington Township Medical Foundation knows that education
and knowledge is key in managing diabetes. We focus on providing our clients
with the information and answers they need to achieve the highest quality
of life after a
diabetes diagnosis. We encourage you to use the resources on this page to learn
everything you need to know about diabetes, or visit our endocrinologist
to learn more about management of this condition.
How to Use Insulin
The hormone insulin controls blood sugar levels in your body. Many people
who have diabetes do not have enough insulin, or their body is unable
to properly utilize insulin. Over time, this can lead to high blood sugar
levels, which can cause major health repercussions. For this reason, patients
with Type I diabetes as well as some patients with Type II diabetes must
take insulin—between two and four shots per day, in most cases.
Usually, insulin is injected beneath the skin using a small needle or
an insulin pen. Remember to wash your hands carefully before each insulin
injection. Ask your doctor for guidance as you learn to inject insulin.
Your doctor will tell you where on your body is best to inject insulin:
-
Fastest results: Injection near stomach
-
Slowest results: Injection near thigh
-
Medium results: Injection into arm
How to Keep Logs
Keeping a log is an important part of diabetes self-management. Your diabetes
journal can contain information such as:
- Your blood glucose numbers
- What you’ve had to eat and drink that day
- Your exercise / physical activity for the day
- Carbohydrate counts
This log can help you and your healthcare provider determine the best way
to manage your diabetes. The information you record can guide such decisions
as what to eat, how to exercise, and which medications to use for optimal
blood glucose control. Using a logbook is especially important when you
start a new medication. Your logbook can also help you develop regular
habits, while giving you the information you need to get to know your
body and the strategies that work best for you.