Manage Diabetes Before it Gets Too Late
More than 30 million people worldwide have diabetes. What’s even more alarming is that several people may have the disease but are not vigilant enough to get themselves checked yet. Therefore, their condition is lying dormant, and the actual incidence of diabetes might be a lot higher!
Dealing with a chronic illness can be one of the most challenging experiences of one’s entire life. Not only does it change the way you have to live, but those suffering un-consciously feel as if they are burdening the family and caregivers. Though maintenance drugs are available to ease the condition, many people still have a hard time combating this potentially fatal illness.
The primary factor concerning diabetes is not prevention. Most commonly, the illness is genetic. Since there Is nothing that you can do to prevent it, the next best option is to create a management plan that helps a person deal with diabetes.
If you have been recently diagnosed or are merely looking for some healthy advice to manage the condition, this article might be worth spending some time on. Here are a few smart tips for managing diabetes.
Know when to seek care
Especially with the elderly population, it’s essential to get your daily insulin dose on time and without fail. However, as individuals progress in age, they begin to lose their memory. If they forget to take their insulin someday, the consequences could be dire and deadly in some cases.
Identifying these specific moments that require care is exceptionally crucial. Retirement and nursing homes have people working around the clock who remind patients to take their medicine and tend to manage diabetes-related issues if they ever arise.
Having nurses around to remind you that you need to take your medication is crucial in managing diabetes. If you experience a spike in blood sugar levels or feel you’re heading towards a diabetic coma, contact a diabetic nurse for immediate help.
Manage your alcohol consumption
It is somewhat of an understood fact that alcohol and diabetes aren’t a healthy combo. Drinking alcohol can put a strain on your liver and drastically drop your blood sugar levels. Not only will the intoxication hit you harder, but it could be fatal if you aren’t careful.
It would be best to either not drink at all or seriously limit how much alcohol you intend to consume, especially on a night out at the pub. Consider checking in with your doctor and gauging their opinion on the matter.
Moreover, DO NOT drink on an empty stomach even if your doctor has permitted you. It is always a good idea to check your blood sugar level before you sleep to make sure it isn’t too low and doesn’t drop while you are unconscious.
Try meditation and deep breathing when stressed
Stress is a silent killer. It affects all of us in numerous ways. But for a person with diabetes, the harm increases exponentially. Stress decreases the body’s natural metabolic rate and can also cause over-eating, both of which can significantly increase blood sugar levels.
If you are looking for ways to manage stress, consider meditating. Deep breathing exercises can be a great source of relief as it reduces the heart rate. Therefore, you are less likely to feel the effects of stress than otherwise. Learning deep breathing can significantly benefit you if you are feeling the adverse effects of anxiety and diabetes.
Engage in physical activity
Whether it’s working out in the gym or doing work around the house, physical activity is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Whether you have diabetes or not, physical activity is essential for everyone. However, physical activity burns excess glucose in your body and uses it as fuel during physical exertion. It helps regulate your blood sugar levels and keeps them from shooting up.
Knowing that there is a medicine-free maintenance strategy like exercise out there can be a great relief for people to manage diabetes. Light cardio and moderate weight resistance are a great way to keep the heart pumping and your sugar in control.
Eat Healthily
This is a no-brainer! If you know that you have a condition affected by what you put in your mouth, you need to be extra careful.
Try to adopt healthy eating habits and avoid consuming foods and drinks that will cause a spike in your sugar levels. Yes, desserts are pretty much off the menu! Focus on healthy carbs, essential fatty acids, and protein. You might also want to consult a specialist on when and how to take your insulin with meals.
Conclusion
Millions of people around the world are still unaware that they have diabetes at all. It means that you could unknowingly aggravate your condition, which may sometimes end in a hospital visit. Have a blood test done every three months if you can to keep any threats at bay.
Coming to terms with the illness can be a challenge in itself. However, once you have accepted the facts, you can relieve yourself of the negative symptoms with the right management plan in action. Always consult a doctor before taking any steps.
