How to Manage Diabetes for Newly Diagnosed – Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a life-changing event, but it is also an opportunity to take control of your health and manage your condition effectively. With the right knowledge and tools, managing diabetes can become a manageable part of your daily routine. This article will discuss the basics of diabetes management and provide some tips to help you manage your condition.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose, a type of sugar in your blood. Usually, your body produces insulin, a hormone that helps your cells absorb glucose and use it for energy. In people with diabetes, the body either does not have enough insulin or is unable to use insulin effectively, leading to high blood glucose levels.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Managing Diabetes
To manage diabetes, you require lifestyle changes and medical interventions. You may have heard people say they have “a touch of diabetes” or that their “sugar is a little high.” These words suggest that diabetes is not a serious disease. That is not correct.
Diabetes is serious, but you can learn to manage it. People with diabetes need to make healthy food choices, stay at a healthy weight, move more every day, and take their medicine even when they feel good. It’s a lot to do. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it!
Here are some steps you can take to manage your diabetes effectively:
Develop a Healthy Eating Plan
Eating a healthy diet is essential for reducing the levels for diabetes. Your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian can help you create a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs and fits your lifestyle. In general, a healthy eating plan for people with diabetes includes the following:
● Eating a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
● Limiting foods that are high in sugar, saturated fats, and salt.
● Controlling portion sizes.
● Eating meals at regular times throughout the day.
● Avoid sugar sweetened beverages
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity and low blood sugar levels. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, each week. You can also incorporate strength training exercises to build muscle and improve overall health.
According to american diabetes association
● Get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise per week, spread over multiple days.
● Complete two to three sessions of resistance exercise or strength training per week, spread over non-consecutive days
● Try to limit the amount of time you spend engaging in sedentary behaviors
● Try not to go more than two days in a row without physical activity
Before starting any exercise program, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe. You may also need to monitor your blood sugar levels before and after exercise to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is an important part of controlling the diabetes. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you check your blood sugar levels at home using a blood glucose meter.
This can help you keep track of your blood sugar levels and adjust your diet and medication as needed. If your blood sugar falls too low or rises too high, it can cause health problems.
To help monitor your blood sugar levels, your doctor will order blood work on a regular basis. They can use a test known as the A1C test to assess your average blood sugar levels. They might also advise you to check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis at home.
To check your blood sugar at home, you can prick your fingertip and test your blood with a blood glucose monitor which continuously tracks your blood sugar levels using a small sensor inserted under your skin.
Take Medications as Prescribed
If you have type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin to manage your blood sugar levels. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be able to manage your condition with lifestyle changes alone or with the help of oral medications or insulin.
It is essential to take your diabetes medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider to keep your blood sugars level healthy. Depending on your health history and needs, your doctor might prescribe one or more of the following:
● oral medications
● insulin, which may be injected or inhaled
● other injectable drugs, such as a GLP-1 receptor agonist or amylin analogue
In most cases, your doctor will start by prescribing oral medication. Over time, you might need to add insulin or other injectable drugs to your treatment plan. To learn more about your medication options, talk to your doctor. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks of different medications.
Manage Stress
Stress can affect blood sugar levels to rise, so it is important to find ways to manage stress. This may include practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga or finding other ways to reduce stress, such as spending time with loved ones or engaging in a hobby.
Get Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important for controlling the diabetes. They can help you monitor your blood sugar levels, adjust your medications as needed, and address any possible complications.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend regular screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and kidney disease.
Conclusion
To control diabetes requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions. One can get on track by developing a healthy eating plan, regular check-ups, exercising daily, and managing stress.
To manage type 2 diabetes, your doctor may encourage you to make changes to your diet, exercise routine, or other lifestyle habits. They might prescribe one or more medications. They will also ask you to schedule regular checkups and blood tests.
If you notice changes in your symptoms or blood sugar levels, let your doctor know. Type 2 diabetes can change overtime. Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan to meet your evolving needs.
