Diabetes is a lifetime disease that can be managed and controlled. By maintaining a good control of this condition, people with diabetes live productive normal life, and reduce their risk of developing long term complications.

With diabetes the body is either unable to make insulin or cannot use the insulin it is producing effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and has the role to manage the amount of glucose in the blood. Not managing blood glucose properly leads to high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), which could on the long run damage body organs, blood vessels, nerves and tissues

In addition to taking the medications prescribed by your physician, a proper management of diabetes is achieved through.

 

1. Healthy Eating:

Diet is the cornerstone of diabetes treatment because food raises blood glucose levels. Glucose is an important energy source for all body organs provided by food and produced in the liver. It is important to identify and control the amount of food that has an impact on your blood glucose levels. Carbohydrate is the nutrient that has the strongest and fastest effect and you can work out the right amount for you in each meal with your dietitian. Apart from managing carbohydrate intake, people with diabetes have the same nutritional needs as anyone else and are encouraged to follow the general healthy guidelines to maintain a good intake of fiber and a low intake of harmful fats. The timing of your meals and the number of snacks is determined by the type of treatment you are taking and your blood glucose values

 

2. Physical Activity:

You can make your insulin more effective. Being active throughout the day helps improving your insulin action. It is recommended that you reduce your sedentary time and increase the amount of activity during the day by

•    Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
•    Playing actively with the kids
•    Parking at the far end of the shopping center and walk to the store
•    Walking instead of drive whenever possible

Make sure to check your blood glucose before any sports activity. It is recommended that you avoid exercise if your blood glucose is below 100 mg/dl or equal to 250 mg/dl and above. Review with your educator the safe measures to adopt when exercising

 

3. Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose:

Self- Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) is a very important tool in your diabetes management. Keeping an eye on the changes in your blood glucose will help you adjust your food intake and your activity level. SMBG is important for your physician to determine whether your treatment is effective and how it should be adjusted. Your blood glucose target values should be kept within

 

Diabetes management targets:

 

Discuss with your physician on the target values that are best for you Your educator and dietitian will work with you to attain the set target