Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’ve been talking about research, treatment and other issues relating to diabetes. Diabetics have to constantly monitor and manage their condition to prevent serious complications. For instance, even a small drop in blood sugar while driving could be dangerous because it could cause slower reflexes or disorientation.
Joyce Barnett, a registered dietitian at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says diabetics should plan trips around meals and snacks, and shouldn’t skip planned meals or snacks when driving, especially when taking insulin. A skipped meal increases the likelihood of dangerously low blood sugar. Diabetics also need to keep high-carbohydrate snacks on hand in case of a drop in blood sugar. Have a glucose tab, hard candy or non-diet soft drink, then wait 15 minute and test blood sugar again.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/nutrition to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in nutrition.
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September 2008
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