Health Tip: When Diabetics Get Sick
Controlling illness is important for anyone, but prudent medical care is even more vital for diabetics. Hormones released during illness and other times of stress can affect blood sugar levels.
The American Diabetes Association suggests that diabetics should call the doctor if they aren't sure how to care for themselves, or if they have these warning signs:
* If symptoms of illness, possibly including fever, have continued for a couple of days without improvement.
* If diarrhea or vomiting has continued for more than six hours.
* If there are moderate or large amounts of ketones in your urine.
* If, even after taking enough insulin to account for your illness, your blood sugar is 240 or higher before meals and stays there for more than 24 hours.
* If you have symptoms of ketoacidosis or dehydration, which may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, dry or cracked lips, and breath that smells like fruit.
Health Tip: Preparing for Pregnancy
At least three months before you try to get pregnant, you should start making sure that your body has the nutrients it needs to conceive a healthy baby.
The American Pregnancy Association offers these recommendations:
* Make sure you get at least 400 micrograms of folate or folic acid each day, either from your diet or from a supplement.
* Get at least 1,000 milligrams per day of calcium -- the equivalent of three 8-ounce glasses of skim milk.
* Talk to your doctor about taking a special vitamin for women who are pregnant or are likely to become pregnant.
* Reduce -- to no more than 300 milligrams daily -- your intake of caffeine, which can affect fertility and the body's ability to absorb calcium and iron.
* Avoid alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and artificial sweeteners.
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