Diabetes can be classified into three categories: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterised by the inability of the body to produce insulin. In order to convert the sugar (glucose) in your diet into energy for your body, you need insulin. To survive, you must take insulin every day.
There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. If you have diabetes, you may need to take medication or insulin to manage your condition. The most frequent kind of diabetes is Type 2.
Diabetes during pregnancy – gestational When a woman is pregnant, she is more likely to get this type of diabetes. After the birth of the baby, it is usually gone. Because of this, these women and their children are more likely to develop diabetes in the future, even if it disappears.
As a patient, you have the greatest influence on the quality of your care.
It is up to you to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels and adjust your treatment as necessary. Consult your physician for advice on how to maintain good health while managing your diabetes. There are a few individuals who might be able to assist you:
- Diabetes doctor
- Diabetes educator
- Dietitian
- Eye doctor
- Foot doctor
- Friends and family
- Mental health counselor
- Nurse
- Nurse practitioner
- Pharmacist
- Social worker
Diabetes is a disease that should be taken seriously.
Diabetes is often referred to as “a little high sugar” or “a little bit of diabetes.” To say that diabetes is not a serious disease would be an understatement. That’s not the case at all. The disease of diabetes is serious but manageable.
When it comes to diabetes, people need to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and take their medication even if they feel OK. A lot of work must be done. Not a simple task, but well worth the effort!
What are the benefits of managing your diabetes?
A healthy lifestyle can help you feel better both now and in the future. Close to normal blood sugar (glucose) results in the following:
- have a lot more power
- reduce the need to urinate more frequently recover more quickly
- have less infections of the skin or bladder
You’ll also have a lower risk of developing diabetes-related health issues, such as:
- Stroke or coronary artery disease
- Hand and foot pain, tingling, or numbness, also known as nerve injury, can result in vision issues or even the loss of sight.
- Tooth and gum disorders might induce renal failure if left untreated.
You can take control of your diabetes management by following these 10 tips.
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Commit to diabetes management from day one.
Members of your diabetes care team, such as a doctor and a nutritionist, can help you understand the fundamentals of diabetes care and provide support as you go. However, it’s up to you to take control of your health.
Do your research about diabetes. Be sure to include healthy food and exercise into every aspect of your life. Keep your weight in check.
Keep an eye on your sugar levels and follow your doctor’s advice on how to keep them in check. Follow the instructions on the label of any medications you are taking. When you require assistance, don’t hesitate to contact your diabetes care team.
2. Don’t smoke
To avoid or quit smoking if you currently do, you should. You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and its complications if you smoke
Take care of your heart health by monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Blood arteries can be damaged by high blood pressure, just as diabetes. As a diabetic, you’re more likely to suffer from high cholesterol, and the harm it can cause is often more severe and swifter. People who have a combination of these illnesses are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
High blood pressure and cholesterol can be controlled by adopting a nutritious diet, avoiding excessive alcohol use, and exercising regularly. If necessary, your doctor may also advise you to take a prescription drug.
4. Make sure you have regular eye and physical examinations.
In addition to your annual physical and eye exams, schedule two to four diabetes checkups every year.
You’ll be asked about your diet and physical activity level, and your doctor will search for any diabetes-related consequences, such as kidney damage, nerve damage, and heart disease, in addition to screening for other medical issues during the physical. He or she will also check your feet to see if there are any problems that need to be addressed.
Your eye doctor will look for symptoms of retinal degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma in your eyes.
5. Keep your vaccinations up-to-date, as well.
Diabetes raises your risk of developing a number of ailments, including heart disease and stroke. Vaccines can help prevent them from occurring. What should you ask your doctor about?
- Flu shots. It is important to get a flu vaccine every year to protect yourself and your family from flu-related complications.
- Vaccine for pneumonitis. In some cases, a single dose of the pneumonia vaccination is sufficient. Diabetes issues or your age of 65 may necessitate an injection.
- Vaccine for hepatitis B. Adults with diabetes under the age of 60 who have never received the hepatitis B vaccine are encouraged to do so. Ask your doctor if the hepatitis B vaccine is good for you if you’re 60 or older and have never had it.
- Other vaccinations. Keep your tetanus shot up to date (usually given every 10 years). Other vaccines may also be recommended by your doctor.
6. Brush and floss your teeth.
Gum infections can occur as a result of diabetes. Make a habit of using fluoride toothpaste and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. You should also floss daily and have a dental exam twice a year. Swollen or bleeding gums should be taken care of as soon as possible by a dentist.
7. Focus on your feet
The nerves in your foot can be damaged if your blood sugar levels are too high. Cuts and blisters can become infected if left unattended. Diabetes can cause tingling, numbness, or loss of feeling in the feet.
8. Consider taking an aspirin every day.
Taking a low dose of aspirin daily may be recommended by your doctor if you have diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors like smoking or high blood pressure. You may not benefit from taking aspirin if you don’t have any other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Consult your physician to see if daily aspirin medication is right for you, and if so, what dosage is optimal.
9. Quit drinking
If you consume a lot of alcohol and don’t eat at the same time, your blood sugar could be too high or too low. For ladies, no more than one drink a day and for males, two drinks a day is the recommended limit.
Drinking alcohol should always be done in conjunction with a meal or snack, and the calories you consume from alcohol should be included in your daily calorie intake. You should be aware that alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for diabetics and those who use insulin.
10. Don’t take stress lightly.
Taking care of your diabetes can be difficult when you’re under a great deal of stress. The best way to deal with your stress is to create boundaries. Make a list of your most important responsibilities. Relaxation techniques can be learned.
Get a good night’s rest. Staying positive is the most important thing you can do. Diabetic care is your responsibility. A healthy, active lifestyle is possible even with diabetes if you’re prepared to put up the effort.
Read More: Simple Ways To Improve Your Health and Wellbeing
