Monday, August 11, 2008

Management of Diabetes

Well, it is generally said that there is no cure for diabetes but only ways to manage it.
About there not being a parmanent cure may be somewhat correct but about managing it, it is absolutely right.

Proper management will give you several additional and may I add beneficial years to your life. It need not be the end.

Upon hearing one is down with this ailment, you feel as though you've been hit by a train and unfortunate- you are not Hancock!You may mutter to yourself, "Why me"
You need not worry, as long as you manage it well, you have really little to worry about.
The first thing you should if you suspect something is wrong is to visit your doctor. Signs of diabetes are normally noticed through serious dehydration occasioned by frequent urination and drinking of water.

I remember this tale where a wife observed that her husband diabetic through his frequent visits to the toilet. It was like every 30minutes, he would dart off to go pee. She also noticed he was drinking quite frequently. She pointed all these too him. And sure enough, when he visited his doctor, he told him he had diabetes.

First visit your doctor. Once it has confirmed it is diabetes, find out what type it is, whether type 1 or type 2. If you are adult, it would most likely be type 2.

Then get as much information as possible as knowledge is king.

Managing diabetes starts with managing the glucose cycle. Diabetes is basically the bodies inability to absorb the glucose existing in the body.

The glucose cycle in your body is affacted by two factors. The two factors are the entry of glucose into the bloodstream and blood levels of insulin to transport the glucose out.
The glucose level is very sensitive to your eating pattern or regimen and it is therefore of importance that this issue is discussed with your doctor. He will dictate to you the kinds of food you should desist from. These usual suspects are the oil saturated food and some types of carbohydrates. Remember that carbohydrates produce a lot of glucose and therefore must be clearly controlled.

A proper management will involve a complete change in your lifestyle especially when it comes to food consumption. This will not be easy but you have no option here. half of all amputations in America are diabetes induced. I am yet to include blindness, heart attacks and stroke! You have to be disciplined!

It will also involve engaging in exercise as a lack fo proper exercise and obesity also lead to the onset of this ailment. With a good exercise regime, your blood sugar levels will collapse to much normal levels.

There was the case of this Pacific Island nation where a high percentage of them are diabetics. Upon returning to their original diets, dating before the arrival of the white man, diabetes disappeared! Food does matter. And exercise.

It is essential that you monitor your blood sugar levels daily. We are quite fortunate today that we live in a period of time where it is possible for people to easily know their blood sugar levels due to the many handheld blood monitors available in the market. Endeavor to avail yourself of one of these.

If you notice your blood sugar levels high, increase your exercise and reduce your intake of harmful foods. This should bring it down. It will also indicate whether insulin is needed. Insulin intake is of utmost importance.

My aunt was diabetic before she died. She advised my uncle, her younger brother to take mints and he found it quite helpful. I am not recommending it however. Before trying anything new, always consult your doctor.

No comments: