Diabetes Action Plan

What is Diabetes Action Plan

Diabetes action plan is a way for you to manage your diabetes (diabetes mellitus) symptoms. The plan is color-coded to help you understand what actions you need to take based on any symptoms you are having.

• If you have symptoms in the red zone, you need medical care right away.
• If you have symptoms in the yellow zone, it means you are having problems.
• If you have symptoms in the green zone, you are doing well.

Learning about and understanding diabetes can take time. Follow the plan that you develop with your health care provider. Know the target range for your blood sugar (glucose) level, and review your treatment plan with your health care provider at each visit.

The target range for my blood sugar level is __________________________ mg/dL.

Red zone

Get medical help right awayif you have any of the following symptoms:

• A blood sugar test result that is below 54 mg/dL (3 mmol/L).
• A blood sugar test result that is at or above 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L) for 2 days in a row.
• Confusion or trouble thinking clearly.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Sickness or a fever for 2 or more days that is not getting better.
• Moderate or large ketone levels in your urine.

If you have any red zone symptoms, call emergency services (911 in the U.S.) or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have severely low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia) and you cannot eat or drink, you may need an injection of glucagon. Make sure a family member or close friend knows how to check your blood sugar and how to give you a glucagon injection. You may need to be treated in a hospital for this condition.

Yellow zone

If you have any of the following symptoms, your diabetes is not under control and you may need to make some changes:

• Blood sugar test results that are below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L).
• Other symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as:
  • Shaking or feeling light-headed.
  • Confusion or irritability.
  • Feeling hungry.
  • Having a fast heartbeat.
• A blood sugar test result that is higher than 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L) for 2 days in a row.
• A fever.
• Feeling tired, or not having any energy.

If you have any yellow zone symptoms:

• Treat your low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) by eating or drinking 15 grams of a rapid-acting carbohydrate. Follow the 15:15 rule:
  • Take 15 grams of a rapid-acting carbohydrate, such as:
    • 1 tube of glucose gel.
    • 3 glucose pills.
    • 6–8 pieces of hard candy.
    • 4 oz (120 mL) of fruit juice.
    • 4 oz (120 mL) of regular ( notdiet) soda.
  • Check your blood sugar 15 minutes after you take the carbohydrate.
  • If the repeat blood sugar test is still at or below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), take 15 grams of a carbohydrate again.
  • If your blood sugar does not increase above 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) after 3 tries, get medical help right away.
  • After your blood sugar returns to normal, eat a meal or a snack within 1 hour.
• Keep taking your daily medicines as directed.
• Check your blood sugar more often than you normally would.
  • Write down your results.
  • Call your health care provider if you have trouble keeping your blood sugar in your target range.

Green zone

These signs mean you are doing well and you can continue what you are doing to manage your diabetes:

• Your blood sugar is within your personal target range. For most people, a blood sugar level before a meal (preprandial) should be 80–130 mg/dL.
• You feel well, and you are able to do daily activities.

If you are in the green zone, continue to manage your diabetes as directed. To do this:

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Check your blood sugar as directed.
• Take your medicines as directed.

Where to find more information

You can find more information about diabetes from:

• American Diabetes Association (ADA): www.diabetes.org
• American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE): www.diabeteseducator.org

Summary

• Following a diabetes action plan is a way for you to manage your diabetes symptoms. The plan is color-coded to help you understand what actions you need to take based on any symptoms you are having.
• Follow the plan that you develop with your health care provider. Make sure you know your personal target blood sugar level.
• Review your treatment plan with your health care provider at each visit.