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Diabetes management requires awareness. Know what makes your blood sugar level rise and fall — and how to control these day-to-day factors. By Mayo Clinic StaffKeeping your blood sugar levels within the range recommended by your doctor can be challenging. That's because many things make your blood sugar levels change, sometimes unexpectedly. Following are some factors that can affect your blood sugar levels. FoodHealthy eating is a cornerstone of healthy living — with or without diabetes. But if you have diabetes, you need to know how foods affect your blood sugar levels. It's not only the type of food you eat, but also how much you eat and the combinations of food types you eat. What to do:
ExercisePhysical activity is another important part of your diabetes management plan. When you exercise, your muscles use sugar (glucose) for energy. Regular physical activity also helps your body use insulin more efficiently. These factors work together to lower your blood sugar level. The more strenuous your workout, the longer the effect lasts. But even light activities — such as housework, gardening or being on your feet for extended periods — can improve your blood sugar. What to do:
MedicationInsulin and other diabetes medications are designed to lower your blood sugar levels when diet and exercise alone aren't sufficient for managing diabetes. But the effectiveness of these medications depends on the timing and size of the dose. Medications you take for conditions other than diabetes also can affect your blood sugar levels. What to do:
IllnessWhen you're sick, your body produces stress-related hormones that help your body fight the illness, but they also can raise your blood sugar level. Changes in your appetite and normal activity also may complicate diabetes management. What to do:
AlcoholThe liver normally releases stored sugar to counteract falling blood sugar levels. But if your liver is busy metabolizing alcohol, your blood sugar level may not get the boost it needs from your liver. Alcohol can result in low blood sugar shortly after you drink it and for as long as 24 hours afterward. What to do:
Menstruation and menopauseChanges in hormone levels the week before and during menstruation can result in significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels. What to do:
Most forms of birth control can be used by women with diabetes without a problem. However, oral contraceptives may raise blood sugar levels in some women. StressIf you're stressed, the hormones your body produces in response to prolonged stress may cause a rise in your blood sugar level. Additionally, it may be harder to closely follow your usual diabetes management routine if you're under a lot of extra pressure. What to do:
The more you know about factors that influence your blood sugar level, the more you can anticipate fluctuations — and plan accordingly. If you're having trouble keeping your blood sugar level in your target range, ask your diabetes health care team for help. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health
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. Which components will the nurse instruct a patient to include in a sleep journal?What Is a Sleep Diary?. Bedtime and/or lights-out time.. Wake-up time.. How long it takes to fall asleep.. The number and duration of sleep interruptions.. The number and duration of daytime naps.. Perceived sleep quality.. Consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and/or tobacco.. Daily medications.. Which instruction would the nurse provide to the client to promote sleep?The patient should be taught how to make his home environment more conducive to sleep. Taking a warm bath and consuming milk or a light snack before bedtime promote sleep. If the patient is unable to sleep after 15 to 30 minutes in bed, he should get out of bed and do some quiet activity until he feels sleepy.
How can a nurse improve the sleep patterns of their clients while in the hospital?Eight recommendations emerged from this review: reduce noise, use earplugs and eye masks, use music, promote a natural circadian rhythm, manage pain, use quiet time, cluster nursing care activities at night, and optimize ventilator modes.
Which advice would the nurse give to the patient on diuretics and having trouble sleeping?Take your diuretic exactly as prescribed.
Take it at least six hours before bedtime to help avoid getting up in the night.
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