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.