Page 21 - Diabetes

diabetes. Furthermore, the disruption medicines that increase the production SHIFT WORK
of the normal body clock that occurs of insulin). Be prepared to treat low
when you are awake through the night blood glucose with a preferred source AND DIABETES
hours can wreak havoc on blood glucose of glucose, such as glucose tablets or
Planning is a must when you have diabetes.
control when you live with diabetes. If glucose gel. Taking a 10- to 15-minute
Determine the level of stress associated with
your job functions are unpredictable, break to replenish your system of glu- your job because stress can influence your
disruption in your routine may further cose—sooner versus later—will help ability to control your blood glucose levels.
impact your blood glucose. In addition, you to get back to work in a timely man- Do your homework by asking questions and
the physical and emotional strains of ner. It is a good idea to educate your making plans to take care of your diabetes
shift work can lead to stress, which trig- co-workers and supervisor ahead of and promote optimal glucose control.
gers the release of several hormones time about your treatment for hypogly- ASK YOUR SUPERVISOR
that can raise blood glucose to higher cemia, so that if an emergency occurs • What are the nature and specific hours
than recommended levels. and you are unable to follow through of your shift (first, second, third shift or
with treatment on your own, they will a combination)?
Diabetes Self-care be prepared to help you. • Will I be working overtime?
Considerations Sedentary work (work with very little • Will my shift rotate or be consistent?
Shift work may not be ideal, but it movement), such as a desk job, may If it rotates, how often?
may be a necessary part of your job. have the opposite effect and cause your ADJUST YOUR SLEEP PATTERNS
When you are employed in a job that blood glucose to be higher than your • Make sleep a priority. It is essential to
includes overnight shifts, you may need target level, especially after eating. You managing your diabetes and your
to consult your diabetes care team to may be able to avoid this problem by get- overall health.
ensure you can achieve the best pos- ting up and moving at regular intervals. • Ask your diabetes care team for advice,
especially if you have had insomnia or
sible blood glucose control. You may Try to move from your sitting positon
other sleep/wake disorders.
need to modify several aspects of your every 30 minutes. Also, don’t forget that
• Try earplugs to snuff out noise.
diabetes management plan. regular physical activity is important to
• Sleep in a dark room.
Meal planning. Regardless of the your overall diabetes treatment plan.
• Keep the room temperature comfortable.
type of diabetes you have, a corner- So be sure and make time outside your
MONITOR YOUR INTAKE
stone of optimal care is healthful shift schedule for exercise. You will feel
• Record your meals and snacks (types and
eating. Check out the availability of better both mentally and physically.
times) to determine if glucose patterns change.
healthy food and snacks during your Medications. You should have a
• Talk to your diabetes care team about
shift since cafeterias, delis and res- well-thought-out plan regarding your
adjusting meal schedules to your shifts.
taurants may not be open overnight, diabetes medication. For example, if • Ask permission to bring food from home
and your only choice might be to buy you have Type 2 diabetes and take oral if healthy meals and snacks at work are
food from a vending machine or bring medication, and you usually take your not available during shift times.
your own. Find out if there is a place oral medication with breakfast and • Limit caffeine (especially toward the end of
to store food, including refrigeration, supper, then determine what time you the shift) to minimize sleep disruption later.
and then plan ahead by keeping some will be eating those meals. The timing KNOW YOUR MEDS
healthy options on hand. Make sure of your medication should be based on • Know what you need to take, when
you have easy access to appropriate the meal time associated with the dose. to take it and potential side effects.
snacks whenever necessary. Take the If you take a non-insulin injectable • Tell your supervisor if any medication
time to meet with a registered dietitian diabetes medication once daily, or once could interfere with your work.
who specializes in diabetes to help you weekly, talk with your diabetes care • Have a plan and supplies for prompt
manage your meals with shift work. For team about a consistent time to take it treatment if you take diabetes medications
that put you at risk for hypoglycemia
example, typical timing of meals such when you are usually awake (whether
(low blood glucose).
as a large meal at 6 p.m. may work OK; or not it is a work night).
• Tell your diabetes care team that your
however, you may still need smaller If you take insulin, adjustments will
shift has changed so they can help determine
meals throughout the night. And, your likely be necessary to calculate the right
if your medication dosage, timing, insulin
“bedtime” snack may actually be at 7 amount to cover the food you consume type and schedule need to be modified.
a.m., prior to your bedtime. (your bolus, or mealtime dose), as well
CONSIDER YOUR ACTIVITY
Movement. Record the amount of as ways to avoid hypoglycemia. Ask your
• Does your job require lifting, sitting, walking?
physical activity you perform at work diabetes care team if taking your bolus
• Are there more active and less active days?
and, if possible, the times that you dose is acceptable just after you eat.
• Is your activity consistent throughout the work
perform the work. A diary may help. That way, if your meal is interrupted, shift or intermittent? (Changes in activity can
Physically demanding work may put you can cover the amount you actu- affect the dosage of your medications.)
you at risk for hypoglycemia (low blood ally ate. You may find that you need a • Discuss your work activity and how it
glucose), especially if you take insulin higher insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio compares to your activity at home with
and/or secretagogues (oral diabetes when you eat during the night than your diabetes care team.