Problem Solving
What do you do when you have a problem like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)? Do you know what caused it? How can you help reduce the risk of it happening in the future?
Planning ahead and being aware of problems that arise is a smart approach to life for everyone, but it's particularly beneficial to people with diabetes.
Everyone encounters problems with diabetes control; you can't plan for every situation you may face. However, there are some problem-solving skills that can help you prepare for the unexpected.
Some of the most important problem-solving skills for diabetes self-care are learning how to recognize and react to high and low blood sugar levels and learning how to manage on days when you are sick.
If you have a problem with your diabetes control, don't beat yourself up over it—solve it and learn from it! Talk with your diabetes care team—they can help you come up with solutions.
Tips for Travel
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Traveling for work or vacation can also present challenges to your diabetes management. If you plan to travel, be sure to:
- Order enough medication to cover your needs during travel, including a back-up supply.
- Pack some of your medications in your luggage, and keep some with you on your flight or in the car, in case you get separated from your luggage.
- Keep written prescriptions on hand in case you need emergency refills.
- Make a list with names and contact information for your doctor(s) and pharmacist. Include medication brand names, generic names and dosages on the list.
