Diabetes is a condition that has affected millions of people across the world. Just in America, more than 1.5 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes and the figures are continuing to grow. Diabetes is a condition that is normally associated with adults over 40. But it is beginning to become more and more common among young adults. In the States, 195,000 kids under the age of 20 have a diabetes diagnosis and have to take regular insulin-based medicine to keep their sugar levels under control and manage blood sugar.
Damage Caused By Diabetes
Even if diabetes is diagnosed at an early stage, you can still learn to manage it effectively. However, untreated diabetes over a prolonged period can lead to intense medical problems like retina damage, liver damage, kidney damage, and most important of all – nerve damage.
Now people might think that if they regain control of their diabetes,, it is possible to reverse nerve damage. But this is far from the case. There is currently no accurate diabetic neuropathy treatment available for patients to completely cure nerve damage. The reason behind this is that nerve tissue damage simply cannot be cured. Fortunately however, there are many professional physicians who can help you live an active and healthy lifestyle, manage blood sugar and live a fulfilling life even with diabetes.
Managing diabetes properly can decrease blood sugar levels, the likelihood of death and medical costs, and also weight.
Self-Management Tips to Improve Health with Diabetes
This post discusses methods that diabetic patients should use every day in order to maintain their quality of life.
Monitor Your Sugar Levels
There are two important indicators of diabetes that you need to consider and measure every day. These are:
- Glycated hemoglobin that will be measured by your doctors after a complete blood profile.
- Blood glucose that can be measured at home.
It is recommended by medical professionals that diabetic patients who are using insulin test their sugar every day at home. You need to measure your blood sugar before and after meals as well as after exercising. This will help you to properly manage blood sugar.
You can purchase a blood glucose meter for measurement at home. These blood sugar monitors are capable of providing real-time information just by inserting a sensor under the skin or by pricking blood and inserting it into the device.
Control Your Weight
Weight is one of the prime factors contributing to diabetes. Although diabetes is more common among obese people than overweight ones, 30% of overweight people have diabetes and 85% of people suffering from diabetes are either obese or overweight.
Research shows that moderate, steady calorie restriction in people who are overweight can help control type II diabetes and delay the pace at which pre-diabetes develops into diabetes. Just making changes to your diet you can also reduce your glycated hemoglobin levels by a good amount, such as between 2% to 5%.
Improve Your Diet
People who are obese often have problems eating and following a meal plan. This is one of the most prominent reasons why people suffer from diabetes. Alongside treatment for peripheral neuropathy, you should find a proper dietician who will offer you a thorough plan based on your health and the current state of your sugar levels.
For many people, it becomes a bit hectic and difficult to control blood sugar on their own. This is why they are recommended medications like Glucophage along with a healthy diet in order to implement changes.
Portion control, reducing carb intake and eliminating sugary items from your diet can help you control your calorie intake and eventually lose weight. Reduce the portion sizes, add more leafy vegetables, replace carbs with vegetables, and this way you are already on your way to a healthier lifestyle. Drink at least 3 litres of water every day to see even better results.
Exercise
Having a cardio routine included in your daily routine will help you exercise and also control your blood glucose levels. According to research, exercising daily can actually improve your heart health, promote weight loss and also improve your standard of living with diabetes.
You need to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day or if you are a beginner – start with 10 to 15 minutes of general cardio and build your way up.
This will also reduce insulin resistance. Also avoid sitting for a long time in a seated position. Breaking down physically active cycles per 30 minutes will help regulate blood sugar.
Focus On External Changes
Diabetes can lead to external skin changes as well as hormonal imbalance. You should look for dryness or discoloration on your skin as well as sores and lacerations. If your body is dehydrated, you will be even more susceptible to sores and injuries. Diabetic people might have to wait longer for injuries to recover so you can keep an eye on your injuries and take prevention as well as treatment for these injuries very seriously. While seeking a diabetic neuropathy treatment, your doctors will also inform you of preventative measures.
Hormonal Changes
When you have nerve damage and insulin resistance, it’s possible for you to suffer from hormonal changes. Not to mention the mental stress that people suffering from diabetes go through. There is just a lot to take in and this can result in hormonal health issues.
Diabetes can lead to an increased sex drive which can lead to yeast infections, abdominal discharges as well as increased estrogen/testosterone levels. For younger people, it can also harm your fertility. So it’s important that a person notices their hormonal changes and informs their doctor as soon as they can. Don’t ignore the symptoms.
Reduce Stress
It is common to feel genuinely physical or emotional discomfort because of diabetes. This can make it increasingly challenging to pursue a treatment plan. In turn, this can make diabetics feel helpless or uninspired. Since stress relief can take different forms for each individual, it’s important that you find what works best for you. Doctors emphasize the importance of reviewing methods with your physician or caregiver, who will help you keep track of your progress.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is bad for your lungs, as we know. If you are a diabetic, you need to make sure that you completely avoid smoking. Smoking when you have a severe health condition like diabetes can actually lead to a much higher and more prominent risk of certain health issues. These include stroke, heart attack and even organ damage. Just kick this awful habit to the kerb. And start drinking more water, which will help promote significant changes in the way your blood sugar acts.
Conclusion
Although it is not possible at the moment for diabetics to have treatment for peripheral neuropathy, proper self-care has have significantly improved the lifestyle of sufferers and the way diabetes runs in their body.
By bringing simple lifestyle improvement habits into your daily life, such as a healthy diet and exercise, you will start witnessing changes. In addition to physically external changes, also make sure to keep good track of your hormonal changes. And get medical treatment instantly when you need it in order to manage blood sugar effectively.
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