Each treatment plan for diabetes is created between a patient and their endocrinologist based on history, lab work, management routines and goals. Often, this plan will include a combination of lifestyle habits, nutrition practices, medications and medical devices that monitor blood sugar.
For those who have just been diagnosed with diabetes or those who would like to learn more about managing their diabetes, Hattiesburg Clinic offers a specialized Diabetes Self-Management Education program through our certified diabetes educator.
Your endocrinology care team may recommend certain lifestyle changes to make the management of your blood sugar easier. Some of these changes may include:
In partnership with our nutritionist and certified diabetes educator, your endocrinology care team may recommend dietary changes. Whether you are insulin-dependent or not, what you eat can have a big impact on the effectiveness of your medical management and treatment plan. Our team may recommend dietary changes like:
Medications for diabetes may include:
Insulin may be administered with a syringe, an insulin pen or via an insulin pump. Hattiesburg Clinic can help patients determine which option is right for their specific lifestyle and goals. Insulin pumps can be an incredible tool to help patients manage their blood sugar, but there is often a period of adjustment and learning. Our diabetes care team is here to help at each step along the way.
Regularly checking your blood sugar is one of the most important aspects of good diabetes management. Keeping up with your blood sugar levels can help you adapt your lifestyle, eating habits and medication management to feel better and be more successful in managing your health. It can also help prevent medical emergencies.
A glucose meter reads your current blood sugar levels after you insert a testing strip with a small drop of blood. Glucose meters require a person to prick their finger to apply blood to the test strip.
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide an updated reading of your blood sugar levels every few minutes. Depending on the type of CGM, you will place a new sensor on a weekly, biweekly or every 10 days, which will insert a small canula under the skin, typically on the abdomen, thigh or arm. The device can transmit a blood sugar reading wirelessly to a special electronic device or a cell phone, helping you keep up with trends and sending alerts to you automatically so you can take action.
When it comes to a diabetes diagnosis, the best news of all is that there are so many treatment and management options available. With the right care and routine, people with diabetes can live a long and healthy life. Our endocrinology team is extremely experienced in helping our patients meet their health and lifestyle goals by guiding them toward the right treatment plan. As your lifelong partner in diabetes management, our team is readily available to help you adapt to a new diagnosis or a new treatment regimen. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.