always ask your doctor. as a person with diabetes i guess getting moral support from other people with diabetes is very important. i personally use two website -which are free-
1) tudiabetes: which is like a diabetic facebook
2) traineo: which helps you measure your training progress and it is a great tool for motivation

for other non-medical info i always use the ADA website. at any age support from family and friends is the most important. and always remember, diabetes is not a death sentence, is a wake-up call!

Great question. You Mom is doing a lot of the right things. Exercise is key for a 60 year old. Walking, bike riding and aerobic exercise is very important.

Eating healthy is also very important. Diabetes is the one disease that actually makes people lead a healthier lifestyle. Your mom should be eating lower carbohydrate foods. Whole grains, no white starches like potatoes or rice or white bread. Leafy green vegetables are great for your Mom’s diet.

Testing her blood sugar when she gets up in the morning is important. She should test before she eats. If her blood sugar is above 110 then she needs to watch her diet or exercise more. She should also test two hours after a meal. Your mom’s blood sugar should remain below the 130 range after meals.

Your Mom should also see her doctor and have an A1c test done to make make sure her blood sugar has been stable for the past three months. Diabetes also can have a negative effect on blood pressure and cholesterol, she needs to have that checked every six months or so.

Nice of you to keep up on these things. I am sure your Mother is happy you care so much.

Leave her alone and don’t be the diabetes police!!! she does not want or need you to mind her health for her!!!

If you really don’t be the diabetes police minding her health for her, you might buy her a couple of books that I found very helpful:

Diabetes: The First Year
Atkins Diabetes Revolution

I am the same age as your mom and I resent the H*** out of my daughters and daughters in law trying to tell me how to live with this stupid disease!!!

She should visit for professional recommendations for a specific diet(low glycemic foods) and see a physician for which types of insulin she should take and how frequently throughout the day she should do so. It’s difficult to give a concrete answer because she needs to see a physician to take blood sugar tests and exercise tests to determine which types of medications she may need and how her body/blood sugars respond to exercise and food. It sounds like she may be Type II, or adult onset diabetes which should also be addressed by a doctor. Good luck and it sounds like she is already on the right track.

Watching her starch intake, taking her blood when her doctor suggests ,a family member takes theirs’ 2 hours after breakfast and dinner.
You can go with her to the doctor and get a machine.You can look on the internet for the for information.
She needs to be careful of trimming her own toenails,help her inspect her feet,especially the bottom.She if she has loss any senstivity on either feet.Often diabetics can not feel if they have injured a foot .And they need to watch for cuts which can lead to infection.
Is your mom on Medicare / Medicad?
Your are a wonderful daughter ,your Mom is blessed!

Take care!

Eat a diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, legumes, and berries. Monitor her blood glucose levels, exercise regularly, add in some weight training, and take her prescribed medication. If she is a type two diabetic, this will help to control it. Some diabetics have been able to keep their glucose levels in range without medication by going vegetarian and getting enough exercise.

The diet recommended for people who suffer from diabetes mellitus is one that is high in dietary fiber, especially soluble fiber, but low in fat (especially saturated fat). Patients may be encouraged to reduce their intake of carbohydrates that have a high glycemic index. However, in cases of hypoglycemia, they are advised to have food or drink that can raise blood glucose quickly, followed by a long-acting carbohydrate (such as rye bread) to prevent risk of further hypoglycaemia.

1. she needs to check her blood sugar properly and maintain the insulin levels to the T, *even* if she is in good health. people neglect to do this bc they think theyre healthy so they don’t have to. not true!

2. fill up on fiber-full veggies, fruits, and grains.
3. light weight training 2 X a week if possible to build muscle and strength.
4. get plenty of calcium.
5. drink 8 oz. of water 8 times a day
6. keep up with her eye appointments
7. take a vitamin
8. check in with her doc to make sure her prescriptions are what she really needs to be taking. do not overmedicate when possible but if the physician tells her to take something, she should definitely take it!

Eat the proper food, which includes low glycemic stuff -
(food that does not drive up the blood sugar too much)
Try to find a copy of Sugar Busters.

she should ask her doctor for his advice he knows her better then us