1. Type 2 Diabetes Slideshow Pictures
2. Diabetes and Foot Problems Slideshow
3. Take the Diabetes Quiz!

Medical Author:

Robert Ferry Jr., MD

Robert Ferry Jr., MD

Robert Ferry Jr., MD, is a U.S. board-certified Pediatric Endocrinologist. After taking his baccalaureate degree from Yale College, receiving his doctoral degree and residency training in pediatrics at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), he completed fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Treatment:

• Follow the health care professional's treatment recommendations.
• Keep records of blood sugar levels as often as recommended by the health care professional and the diabetes care team, including the times the levels were checked, when and how much insulin or medication was taken, when and what was eaten, and when and for how long the patient exercised.
• Call the health care professional if the patient has any problems with their treatment or symptoms that suggest poor glucose control.

Education:

• Attend diabetes education classes at the local hospital. The more educated the patient and their family are about the disease, the better they are likely to do.
• If the patient takes insulin, they should see the health care professional about every 3 months or more often. For other people with diabetes, every 3 to 6 months is generally adequate, unless they are having complications.
• Recognize low blood sugar levels and know how to treat them
• The patient and their family should be taught how to recognize the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar levels. The patient should have a clear plan for treating low blood sugar levels and know when to call 911. Mild symptoms include confusion and sweating. Moreover, these symptoms can progress to lethargy, agitation (sometimes with violent, jerking motions), or even seizures.

Must Read Articles Related to Diabetes

Acromegaly FAQs Acromegaly is a serious condition that occurs when the body produces too much of the hormones that control growth. This causes abnormal enlargement of bone, car...learn more >>

Diabetic Eye Disease Diabetic eye disease is a complication from diabetes. Types of diabetic eye disease include background diabetic retinopathy, nonproliferative diabetic retinopat...learn more >>

Diabetic Foot Care Read about diabetic foot care. Causes of foot problems in people with diabetes include footwear, nerve damage, poor circulation, trauma, infections, and smoking...learn more >>

See the Entire Diabetes Topic Guide »