Diabetes

Diagnosis

The only way to diagnose diabetes is by having a blood sample analysed in a laboratory.

The blood sugar levels are measured – i.e. the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. We refer to overt diabetes when:

• fasting blood sugar, measured in two consecutive blood tests, is above 126 mg/dl (7 mmol/L),
• blood sugar levels at any time of day are above 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/L),
• HbA1c is above 6.5 % (48 mmol/mol).

Complications of diabetes

Regardless of which type, diabetes is a chronic disease characterised by high blood sugar levels.

It is important that you maintain your blood sugar levels within the range agreed with your doctor in order to reduce long-term complications.

Prolonged and repeated hyperglycaemia affects the organs and can damage them. It can cause complications in the following organs:

• blood vessels and the cardiovascular system,
• kidneys,
• eyes,
• teeth and gums,
• neurological system,
• feet,
• sexual organs.

Hypoglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia is an abnormally low blood sugar level. It refers to a blood sugar level of below 60 mg/dl (3.3 mmol/L).

There are many warning signs of hypoglycaemia. The various symptoms are experienced individually and may differ from one episode to another:

• shaking,
• sweating,
• paleness,
• palpitations,
• hunger,
•  numb sensation in the legs, tingling of the lips or tongue,
• change of mood,
• headaches,
• tiredness,
• difficulty concentrating,
• problems with vision,
• dizziness,
• confusion,
• behavioural disorders.

Hypoglycaemia can be caused by:

• insufficient carbohydrate intake,
• unusual physical exertion,
• a medication error (too much medication, too much insulin),
• drinking alcohol,
• vomiting (gastroenteritis, etc.).

Travelling if you have diabetes

Your diabetes should not stop you from travelling. However, as with all travel plans, it is important to prepare well.

Travel preparations

Whether you are travelling by train, bus, car or plane, don't be unprepared; plan your trip in advance.

Make a list of the points you want to discuss with your doctor and any questions you have about your destination country and your stay there (coping with the heat, jetlag, insulin storage, etc.).

Precautions

• Don't forget your diabetes card, ideally an English version.
• Find out if you will be able to get the type of insulin that you use at your holiday destination.
• Take a prescription with you (in English).
• Take double the required amount of insulin, medication and equipment with you and split everything up into two bags (in case one goes missing).
• Carry your insulin in an insulated bag to protect it from heat and cold.
• If you are flying, pack your medication in your hand luggage. Do not put it into hold baggage.
• Don't forget to take a letter from your doctor confirming that you need the medication.
• If you are travelling alone, tell one of the cabin crew or another passenger that you have diabetes and take insulin.
• Take something with you to eat in case of hypoglycaemia.
• Always keep a source of glucose handy when travelling.
• Ask your doctor about vaccinations.
• Treat all wounds, even minor ones, to prevent infection.

Maison du Diabète: Taking control of your own health

Learning to manage your diabetes yourself on a daily basis will help you maintain and improve your health and independence.

The Maison du Diabète can help you take control of your diabetes by offering educational services to improve your self-management skills.

The aim of these personalised courses and advisory sessions is to enable you:

• to improve your health and stay healthy,
• to live better with diabetes,
• to reduce any complications or delay them for as long as possible,
• to improve your quality of life.

Courses at the Maison du Diabète

The Maison du Diabète organises regular courses and information sessions for patients and their families. This training can help you to:

• take independent control of your diabetes,
• avoid complications of diabetes,
• delve more deeply into specific related areas,
• cook meals tailored to living with diabetes,
• maintain or improve your mental health.

At the Maison du Diabète, you can meet with a nurse or dietitian who specialises in education for people living with diabetes. They will answer your questions, give you advice and help you set goals tailored to your specific circumstances.