Since 1996 the number of people diagnosed with Diabetes has increased from 1.4 million to 1.8 million. Most of these cases are Type 2 Diabetes, attributable to an aging population and rapidly rising numbers of overweight and obese people. Diabetes affects five per cent of the world’s population and its prevalence is doubling every generation.
Diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, stroke and nerve damage leading to amputation. There is no cure for diabetes. Treatment involves medicines, diet, and exercise to control blood sugar and prevent symptoms.
When someone is first diagnosed with Diabetes, it can be a shocking and unnerving experience. However, this common condition can be easily managed by taking a few steps to improve health in the diabetic and enhancing quality of life. The long-term goals of treatment aim to:
- Prolong life
- Reduce symptoms
- Prevent diabetes-related complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, and amputation of limbs.
These goals are accomplished through:
- Careful self testing of blood glucose levels
- Education
- Exercise
- Foot care
- Meal planning and weight control
- Medication or insulin use
Diabetes can be managed well with a few changes to diet and careful monitoring of lifestyle. The following tips provide a broad overview of some actions that a Diabetic person can undertake to live well with this condition:
Using Aerobic Exercise to Regulate Diabetes
Aerobic exercise is a critically important element of managing Diabetes and reducing complications associated with the condition. By undertaking even just half an hour a day of exercise, the symptoms can be more easily managed.
Changing Diet Habits to Reduce Symptoms
The immediate goal is to treat Diabetic ketoacidosis and high blood glucose levels in the Diabetic patient. People should work closely with their primary health care provider to learn how much fat, protein, and carbohydrates are needed in the diet. A registered dietician can help plan dietary needs.
People with type 1 Diabetes should eat at about the same times each day and try to be consistent with the types of food they choose. This helps to prevent blood sugar from becoming extremely high or low.
People with type 2 Diabetes should follow a well-balanced and low-fat diet. There is a vast amount of support available that provides diet advice for Diabetics.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, drinking and recreational drugs can all have an adverse effect on a person diagnosed with Diabetes.
Basic Diabetes management skills will help prevent the need for emergency care. These skills include:
- How to recognise and treat low blood sugar and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- What to eat and when
- How to take insulin or oral medication
- How to test and record blood glucose
- How to test urine for ketones (type 1 Diabetes only)
- How to adjust insulin or food intake when changing exercise and eating habits
Blood Sugar Levels and Regulation
The American Diabetes Association recommends keeping blood sugar levels in the range of:
- 80 - 120 mg/dL before meals
- 100 - 140 mg/dL at bedtime.
Medications to treat Diabetes include insulin and glucose-lowering pills called oral hypoglycemic drugs. By taking care, controlling diet and being responsible with drugs and lifestyle, it is possible for Diabetic people to live well and remain on top of the condition.
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