Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Exercise
Living with diabetes can be a balancing act.
Between taking medication, checking blood sugar levels, nutrition, exercise, weight,
and carbohydrate intake, it’s a bit overwhelming. But once you start managing your
diabetes, it becomes easier to keep the momentum.
Nutrition for managing diabetes
Diabetes nutrition is about moderation, not restriction: healthy eating choices,
balanced meals, and carbohydrate control. Carbohydrates (or carbs) are the body’s
main source of glucose (sugar). Foods considered high in carbohydrates are potatoes,
pastas, breads, and other grain-based foods. Don’t forget that sugary snacks and
dairy products can also be high in carbs. It’s important to regulate the amount
of carbohydrates you eat at a given meal. Other nutrients like fiber, fat,
or protein, can also make a big difference in blood sugar levels.
Choose a registered dietitian who is experienced in diabetes care. He or she can
play an important part in helping you maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Exercise for managing diabetes
Exercise is important for everyone. An appropriate amount of exercise may be especially
important for people with diabetes. It increases energy levels, and improves heart
health and circulation. Talk with your doctor about your fitness routine. Exercise
may change the way your body uses insulin and can alter your risk for hypoglycemia.
Any change in physical activity level may require a change to your insulin dose.
Talk to your doctor before making any change to your insulin regimen and about the
need for more frequent blood sugar monitoring.
"When I found out that I had diabetes, I didn't take it for granted. I knew I needed to take action to keep it under control."
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Important Safety Information for Lantus®
Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients
in Lantus®.
You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®.
Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your
healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under
medical supervision.
Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution.
It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be
serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with
no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is low blood
sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience
symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia
may be serious and life threatening. It may cause harm to your heart or brain. Other
possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in
fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and
rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening.
Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they
can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus®, tell your doctor
about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems,
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to
breast-feed.
Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen. Please talk to your healthcare
provider about proper injection technique and follow instructions in the Instruction
Leaflet that accompanies the pen.
Click here for full prescribing information for Lantus®.
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