If You are Diabetic---Glucose Management Important During Hospital Stays

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2008

Blood glucose may seem like the least of your worries if you have had a heart attack, stroke, or surgery of any kind. However, many research studies have found that well managed pre- and post-operative or inpatient blood glucose was associated with better outcomes.

Many larger medical centers will have a diabetes team that includes an endocrinologist, a nurse, a pharmacist, and a dietitian to prescribe the correct medications and monitor the patient's blood glucose, while the primary doctor or surgeon focuses on the reason for the hospitalization. Make sure you are referred to this team if your hospital has one.

If your medical center doesn't have a diabetes team or if your insurance won't cover the costs associated with the team, talk to the person who will be monitoring your diabetes. Ask what target blood glucose ranges are best during your hospitalization, and how often your blood glucose will be checked.

Remember, better blood glucose control and frequent monitoring can help you recover more quickly!

Getting the Scoop on Carbs

Carbohydrates are often talked about as good or bad; diets may be low or high in carbs. But, what is a carbohydrate anyway?

A carbohydrate is a macro-nutrient, meaning it is a nutrient found in large quantities in food. The name carbohydrate comes from its chemical make-up. "Carbo" means carbon, and "hydrate" means water, which is hydrogen and oxygen.

Carbohydrates can be simple or complex. These categories are based on how easily they are digested. Either way, carbohydrates are your body's main source of energy.

Most foods have at least some carbohydrates. Foods with large amounts of carbohydrate include foods from the bread and starch group, fruits and fruit juices, and many foods from the dairy group such as milk, yogurt, and ice cream.

Carbohydrates have a big influence on blood glucose levels. You need to know which foods have carbohydrates in them. Check your plate and check food labels. Identifying carbohydrate-rich foods will help you manage your blood glucose.

Diabetes Lifelines is a monthly newsletter written by U of I nutrition specialist, Karen Chapman.

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