The American Diabetes Association’s (ADA’s) diabetic treatment guidelines were recently updated in 2011, and are available on the ADA’s website, Diabetes.org. The 2011 diabetic treatment guidelines do not differ much from the previous recommendations. The changes that were made mostly have to do with gestational diabetes.

It is now recommended that pregnant women undergo a 75-gram 2-hour glucose tolerance test between their 24th -28thweeks. The 1-hour cut-point is greater than or equal to 180 dl/mg, and the 2 hour cut point is 153 mg/dl. It is also recommended that a person with a past history of gestational diabetes be screened every 3 years for the development of diabetes.

Individualizing care was another major change in the diabetic guidelines. Standards for the elderly are not as strict for patients that are younger. Blood pressure targets are also made stricter for someone who has a known cardiovascular disease than someone who doesn’t.

 

Diabetic Nutritional Guidelines

 

There is no specific diet for diabetes. Guidelines for diabetic diet, however, have been set by various organizations to help diabetics understand how to get the nutrition that they need without raising their glucose levels. Food choices have a strong impact on cholesterol, blood pressure, and your overall health. Therefore, learning what you can eat and how your body is affected by different foods is important.

Foods that contain carbohydrates turn to blood sugar. Too many carbohydrates in your diet make your glucose levels to high, so they must be limited at each meal. Examples of foods that contain carbohydrates are: Rice, fruits, popcorn, pretzels, fruit juices, pasta, noodles, dried beans, sugar, honey, crackers, milk, desserts, bread, yogurt, sodas, cereals, potatoes, yams, peas, and corn. High fiber foods, such as whole grain breads, whole grain cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables are highly encouraged because they help to keep your blood sugar levels under control (Cpmc.org, 2011).

 

Diabetic Foot Guidelines

 

Diabetic treatment guidelines are available concerning the treatment of food disorders. These are important because diabetes can cause nerve damage which takes away feeling from your feet. So, even a small cut can go unnoticed and lead to a serious infection. This is also compounded by the fact that wounds take longer to heal in diabetes. Diabetes treatment guidelines are as follows:

  1. Inspect your feet daily for any cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Use a mirror to inspect the bottom of your feet, and call your doctor if you notice anything.
  2. Wash your feet daily and use lukewarm water, not hot water. Also, check the water temperature with your hands, don’t use your feet.
  3. When washing your feet use a soft washcloth or sponge. Dry them well and be sure to dry carefully between your toes.
  4. Moisturize your feet daily to keep your skin from itching or cracking, but do not use moisturizer between your toes.

 

For a complete list of these guidelines, and other foot care advice, visit FootPhysicians.com. Talking to your doctor about diabetic foot care is also important. He/she can go into greater detail about diabetic treatment guidelines and make them understandable for you. Be sure that you are getting the periodic foot exams that you need as well.

 

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Guidelines 2010

 

In 2010, thediabetic ketoacidosis treatment guidelines were updated. A number of new methods were introduced. They include the bedside use of ketone meters, the use of fixed rate intravenous insulin, and a mandatory and prompt to a diabetes specialist team with each case. The diabetic ketoacidosis guidelines are now very clear and are easy to follow, and a flow chart has also been developed to be placed in admitting and within wards (Diabetes.org.uk, 2010).