Things To Keep In Mind During Diabetes Treatment

Diabetes is a complex health condition that cannot be reversed. Effective treatment lies largely in controlling your blood sugar levels, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and taking your medications on time. These four tasks are easier said than done. That said, with determination and diligence, they can be successfully incorporated in your daily regimen, thus optimising diabetes treatment. 

Mentioned below are some things you need to keep in mind during diabetes treatment.

Eat Healthy

The food items that need to be incorporated into your daily diet are identical to the ones that are healthy for all people. Include high-fibre foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans, while simultaneously minimizing the intake of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. 

Eating healthy will help you maintain your ideal weight, keep your blood sugar levels in the normal range, and prevent cardiovascular disease, blood vessel disease, and a whole host of other diabetic complications such as diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy. 

Consulting a dietitian is advisable.

Exercise Regularly

Living an active lifestyle is beneficial to all. Some of the best ways to stay active and get your body moving include brisk walking, swimming, bicycling, playing team sports (basketball, soccer, cricket) or individual sports (tennis, badminton), and even dancing. Cleaning your house and maintaining your garden, too, count as healthy activities. 

Staying active is beneficial during diabetes treatment because it helps in weight management, boosts your energy levels, helps in the optimum functioning of your lungs and heart, and if you are on insulin, your blood sugar level will be lowered with much more ease.

Before you proceed with an exercise regimen, it is vital that you consult your doctor. If your blood pressure is high or if you have developed some eye problems, specific exercises such as weightlifting may be risky.

If you have not consumed any food for more than an hour or if your blood glucose level is lower than the normal range, you may indulge in an apple or a glass of milk prior to exercise.

When you commence with any activity, carry a small snack with you to deal with a potential sudden drop in blood sugar levels. In addition, it is wise to carry some sort of identification card or tag that says you have diabetes. This can tremendously help when it comes to emergencies.

Take Your Medicines and Insulin Shots on Time Everyday

Insulin shots and diabetes pills are commonly prescribed to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. You will need to inject yourself with insulin if your body has stopped producing insulin or if it is producing it in low amounts. Individuals with type 1 diabetes (or insulin-dependent diabetes) will need daily insulin injections. When it comes to type 2 diabetes, only some will need insulin on a daily basis. 

If you take insulin shots, make sure that you never miss one, even if you are ill. Insulin needs to be injected with a needle. Your doctor will inform you what type of insulin to use, the dose, and the appropriate time to take it. Speak to your doctor before you change the amount or type of insulin that you use. Your doctor will show you the most ideal places on your body to give yourself an appropriate shot. If your hands are shaky or if you have poor vision, request someone to help you with insulin shots.

Initially, you may have fears when it comes to giving yourself a shot. However, most individuals find that insulin injections cause much lesser pain than expected. This is because the needles are relatively small and do not penetrate your skin deeply. Make sure you use your own needles. Never share needles with anyone else.

Tests

For optimum management of blood sugar levels, you need to test your blood every day. If the levels are abnormally high or low, your doctor may need to alter your diet, exercise regimen, or treatment plan. Because diabetes can lead to other complications, you need to carry out further tests besides your regular blood sugar level test. Some of these tests include urine test (to check for ketones) and haemoglobin A1c test (to know your average blood glucose levels for the past three months).

The Final Word

Treatment for diabetes largely revolves around maintaining the right blood sugar levels. While medications and insulin shots help, you need to be proactive by following the right diet plan and exercise regimen. 

Reference Link:

1. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/taking-care-your-diabetes-every-day