Home care for type 1 diabetes includes:

• Avoid alcohol.
• Stop smoking
• Avoid exposure to secondary smoke
• If you have high blood pressure:
• Learn how to take your blood pressure.
• Check your blood pressure every day.
• Keep a log of your results.
• Check your blood sugar every day.
• Keep a log of your blood sugar results.
• Follow an exercise plan as directed by your doctor.
• Follow your diabetes diet as directed.
• Get regular dental checkups and practice good dental hygiene.
• Get regular eye and foot examinations.
• Inspect the skin of your feet and your nails every day, in order to look for injury.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Take insulin as prescribed by your doctor.
• Take prescribed medications as directed.
• Wear a Medic Alert bracelet at all times.

Example of Sliding Scale Insulin Dosing

Glucose Reading	Regular Insulin Dosing
140 - 160	2 units, re-check glucose in 2 hrs
200 - 240	4 units, re-check glucose in 2 hrs
240 - 300	6 units, re-check glucose in 2 hrs
300 - 400	8 units, re-check glucose in 2 hrs
400 - 500	10 units, re-check glucose in 2 hrs
> 500	See doctor now!

Check with your doctor for specific adjustments in sliding scale doses. Your sliding scale dose will vary with your weight, diet, level of activity, and sensitivity to insulin.