Testing the Treatment
The effectiveness of the treatment in keeping blood glucose at an acceptable level must be checked
regularly. You may be asked to test your urine daily or twice daily, using specially prepared paper reagent
slips. (In the morning, perform the test on the second specimen that is voided; the first is always
positive.) If the urine is free or almost free of glucose, the diabetes is under control.
Many doctors prefer that their patients monitor the glucose level in the blood rather than in the urine.
Self-monitoring kits are now widely available. A small needle or lancet is used to prick a finger and a
drop of blood is squeezed onto a chemically treated strip. The strip is then either compared to color
samples or inserted into a meter to identify the glucose level.
Stress and Diabetes
Surgery, trauma or any illness (from a cold to a heart attack) may cause stress and thus increase the
body's demand for insulin. Doctors and dentists should be told about your condition before starting
treatment, so that they can take proper precautions.
Summing Up
Once a diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed, and proper treatment is begun, most diabetics are able to lead
normal, productive lives. Although self-discipline, especially in weight-control, is vital in managing the
disease, it is most important that the fact of having diabetes not be allowed to dominate day-to-day living.
