When you live with diabetes, there are things you need to do every day to take care of yourself. These day-to-day tasks may change as you get older.
You might need to learn how to keep your blood glucose levels in a new target range. Or, use new ways to monitor and record your glucose levels. You might also need to buy new or different supplies.
Other health conditions or medications can affect your blood glucose levels too.
If you notice it is becoming harder to manage your blood glucose levels, talk to your health professional. Do not stop taking any prescription medications before talking to them.
Blood glucose management
Glucose monitoring
Type 2 diabetes
Accessing monitoring supplies
Information and resources
Part of looking after your diabetes is keeping your blood glucose level within your target range.
This is all about finding the right balance between the things that make your blood glucose level go up, like the foods you eat, with the things that make it go down, such as the physical activity you do or any diabetes medication you use.
Glucose monitoring is how you check the level of glucose in your blood. To check your blood glucose levels, you will likely use a blood glucose meter with a finger pricking device and blood glucose monitoring strips.
Some people monitor their glucose level with a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) or flash glucose monitoring (flash-GM) device. These devices are worn constantly and automatically measure your glucose levels every few minutes.
Checking your glucose levels throughout the day will help you make decisions that help you keep your blood glucose level in your target range. For example, the foods you choose to eat or the physical activity you decide to do.
Your target blood glucose range may change as you age, and this will be decided by you and your healthcare team. It will take into account your age, other health conditions and your medications.
If you have low vision, problems using your hands or don’t have much strength, there are devices that may make things easier. Your doctor, credentialled diabetes educator (CDE), or nurse practitioner can help you choose a device that suits your needs.
If you have type 2 diabetes, your diabetes health professional may recommend that you check your blood glucose levels.
If you decide to start checking, it is a good idea to discuss with your doctor, CDE or nurse practitioner:
Once you are registered with the NDSS, you can access subsidised glucose monitoring products. For more information about glucose monitoring, talk to your doctor, your diabetes educator or call our Helpline on 1800 637 700.
In the case of a natural disaster or emergency, it is important to have your supplies and medications organised. Find out how to make a plan and an emergency diabetes kit in case you have to leave at short notice.
Managing diabetes as you age
This booklet gives you information to help you manage your diabetes as you grow older.
Type 2 diabetes and me
These 10 short online modules help you learn how to manage type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes and me
Understand type 1 diabetes, how to manage it and where to get support.
Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.
