If you have diabetes type 1 or type 2, a care plan will go a long way in helping you deal with the conditions. A care plan will serve as the ideal road map to manage the condition and live a happy and comfortable life.
A diabetes care plan is designed to help you deal with the condition daily and who you should call if you have any concerns. It also has a list of goals you should hit to help you improve your overall health. This post will teach you what you should have in your ideal care plan.
How Should A Diabetes Care Plan Look Like?
Managing diabetes includes eating a healthy diet, monitoring blood glucose, and physical activity. A diabetes care plan should include blood sugar management methods and goals such as device settings, insulin dosages, and medication.
The CDC (Centers for Disease and Prevention) outlines the ideal care plan based on your daily, monthly, and other regular activities. Here is an overview of what the plan should include:
| Points | Considerations |
| Blood sugar checks | • How often will you check your blood sugar? • What is your desired blood sugar range? • How will you correct high or low blood sugars? • When do you call your doctor for blood sugar results? |
| Medications | • What are the medications you take daily to manage your diabetes? • How will you manage low blood sugars (e.g., will you carry glucose tablets)? • At what times of day will you take your diabetes medications? • What happens if you accidentally skip a medication dose? |
| Food | • What is your daily carbohydrate recommendation? • What foods can you eat that keep your blood sugars in the target range? • If you can’t eat, how do you adjust your insulin or medications? |
| Physical activity | • What is your daily goal for physical activity? • When do you adjust medication dosages or blood sugar for physical activity? |
| Foot checks | • How or who will help you check your feet daily for cuts, sores, or swelling? • When should you call your doctor about what you see? |
Your care plan should also include long-term management plans and checks. Here is an example of such a plan.
| How often? | Considerations and monitoring |
| Every three months | • Get an A1C test if your doctor recommends it. • Consult a doctor if you are in the beginning stages of diabetes management. |
| Every six months | • Get a dental checkup. • Get an A1C test if your blood sugar levels have been in range. • Have your weight checked, review your care plan, and check your blood pressure. |
| Every 12 months (yearly) | • Get your flu shot. • Get a dilated eye examination. • Get a cholesterol test. • See a doctor for a complete foot check. |
What Is The Importance Of Getting A Diabetes Care Plan?
While you do not have to follow the plan perfectly, managing the condition well requires a concrete plan. Good planning and organization will make all the difference, and it will help you avoid the guesswork in your daily activities and also keep you aware of when you need help.
There are different ways to make a diabetes plan care. Here are some ways we recommend:
- Getting a journal or notebook to create dedicated pages for diabetes management, including blood sugar goals and medication.
- Taking advantage of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) resources which have write-in areas, or get a Diabetes Medical Management Plan for school use.
- You can also download an app to manage your diabetes which offers carbohydrate counting and glucose tracking options.
Studies suggest that a written or online plan will help you improve your clinical management of diabetes. Some reported results were decreases in cholesterol, body mass index, and high blood pressure.
Who Should You Involve In A Diabetes Care Plan?
Here is a look at various specialists you should involve in your diabetes care:
- A diabetes care specialist and education specialist
- A nurse practitioner, a doctor, or a physician
- An eye doctor
- An exercise specialist
- A mental professional, a counselor, or a psychologist
- A podiatrist
- A registered nutritionist or dietitian
It is also important to involve your family since they will play a huge part in your care.
