How to Manage Diabetes?

Diabetes, a syndrome of disordered metabolism, is something that most of us are aware of, thanks to its widespread hold on the urban population. However, being diagnosed with diabetes or knowing someone who is diagnosed with diabetes may throw up many questions about how it fits into your daily life. This syndrome is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental causes, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Living with diabetes is not easy.

If you want to live a life without limits, even with diabetes, you will need to know a lot about diabetes and a lot about yourself. The foundation of basic diabetes care has not changed much in recent years, yet we learn more about diabetes every day. And though the best way to keep blood sugar levels close to normal is through exercise and a controlled diet, lets take a look at a few parameters that should also be kept in mind.

Diet

Diabetes does not require special foods. A healthy, balanced diet can come from everyday foods. If you have diabetes, you should:

• Choose foods that are low in fat and salt.
• Choose foods that are high in fiber (such as beans, vegetables and fruit).
• Remember to eat foods from all food groups: milk and milk products; lean meat, chicken, fish, beans, cheese, and eggs; bread, cereal, rice, noodles, and potatoes; and fruits and vegetables.
• Closely monitor your carbohydrate intake if you have type 1 Diabetes, since carbohydrates have the biggest effect on your blood glucose levels.
• Achieve or maintain a healthy weight by watching the portion sizes and calorie intake. If you have type 2 diabetes, weight loss will make your diabetes easier to control.

Resist eating huge meals once or twice in a day. Space your food intake throughout your waking hours by having smaller, more frequent meals and planned snacks at regular intervals.

Exercise

Researchers conclude reducing sedentary behaviors and increasing physical activity are important factors in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Lack of exercise is directly related to obesity because of less physical activity. Most people should aim to get 30 to 40 minutes of physical activity (like brisk walking, cycling, swimming), on most or all days of the week. For people with diabetes, exercise lowers blood sugar. Like insulin, it also helps your body use its blood sugar efficiently. Exercise may also help insulin to work better. A person with diabetes will also experience the same benefits and enjoyment from exercise as everyone else. Such benefits include weight control and psychological benefits. However, as exercise will lower blood glucose levels, so it is important to not over-exercise and take carbohydrates if the levels drop too low.

Monitoring Your Blood Sugar

You can't always feel if your blood sugar is high or low. That's why daily monitoring is important. Daily monitoring also helps you understand how the meals you eat affect your blood sugar levels. Also, keep a record of your levels that you can take with you to your doctor appointments.

Taking Medication

You may take one or more diabetes drugs to help you keep your blood sugar in the target range. You may also take medication to control your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol levels. It's important to take your medications as directed and learn to manage a multi-medication drug regimen.

Alcohol

If your diabetes is under control and you do not have high blood pressure or nerve damage, you may drink alcohol in moderation. Keep in mind that if you drink alcohol while taking insulin or other diabetes medication, you risk low blood sugar. The liver slows its release of glucose until it first clears the alcohol. If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink a day if you are a woman and two drinks a day if you are a man. Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach.

Smoking

Smoking greatly increases your risk of heart disease and blood vessel disease, two of the major complications of diabetes. Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do to decrease your chances of developing heart or blood vessel disease.

Regular Check-ups

You need to be seen by your health care provider at least once a year. You should be seen more often if your blood sugars are not in good control.  Some tests may need to be done yearly or more often if they are not normal or within your goal.

Taking Care of Your Body

If you have diabetes, self-care gives you the power to manage your condition and feel your best. That means giving your body special care on a daily basis and limiting health risks that can cause problems in the future. One of the problems that affects many people with type 2 diabetes is sores on the feet that can develop into such severe wounds that sometimes amputation of the foot is needed. Because of this, it's very important that you inspect your feet regularly for blisters, cuts, and sores. If you are having problems with your feet or you find a sore that isn't healing, speak with your doctor immediately.

Staying Motivated

Living with diabetes means making many changes in your life. At times, these changes may seem overwhelming. That's a normal response. When you feel down, reach out to your family and friends. Don't keep your diabetes a secret. It's always a good idea to educate your family and close friends about your disease so they can learn what to watch for and help you manage. If your loved ones know how to recognize the signs of dangerously high or low blood glucose levels, a potential tragedy may be avoided.

Make a commitment to yourself to get educated and to make the lifestyle changes needed to maintain good health despite the challenges of diabetes. A great doctor, the right medication, a good diet, and exercise will go a long way in ensuring your well-being for many years to come.