Managing Diabetes
In honor of Defeat Diabetes Month (April 2018), we’d like to offer some tips for those living with Type I and Type II Diabetes.
When you have an illness like diabetes, it can be hard to accept that there’s currently no permanent medical cure for the disease. There are two major types of diabetes. With type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce insulin. With type 2 diabetes, the body neither produces nor utilizes insulin well.
If you’re wondering how to fix diabetes now that you have a sugar problem, here are some tips that can teach you how to manage type I and type II diabetes.
How to Manage Type 1 Diabetes
Managing type 1 diabetes involves the following:
Taking Insulin
Anyone with type 1 diabetes must take insulin for life. Unfortunately, insulin cannot be received through oral tablets. Since the stomach enzymes will break it down, you must receive it through an insulin pump or via injections.
Doing Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring
You need to monitor and keep a record of your blood sugar for a minimum of four times daily. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you monitor your blood sugar before snacks or meals, just before going to bed and before doing any workout or driving.
Eating Health Boosting Foods
While there’s no real diabetic diet, you need to base your daily diet on highly nutritious foods rich in fiber and low in fat, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Your dietitian will usually suggest you consume fewer refined carbohydrates like sweets and white bread, as well as fewer animal products.
You need to constantly count the number of carbohydrates in the foods you consume so you can use this measure to determine the amount of insulin you’ll require afterward. Consult our experienced dietitian now to help you create a new meal plan that will satisfy your needs.
Maintaining an Exercise Routine for a Healthy Weight
First, consult your doctor to determine if it’s OK to start doing regular exercise. Then, select a few activities like swimming, walking or jogging, and include them in your daily routine. Strive for at least 20 to 25 minutes of aerobic exercise per day, and avoid going more than two days without exercise.
How to Manage Type 2 Diabetes
The management of this kind of diabetes involves the following:
Eating a Healthy Diet
Base your diet on foods that are high in fiber and low in fat, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Eat fewer animal products and refined carbs. Also, low glycemic-index foods will help you achieve stable blood sugar levels.
Doing Regular Exercise
With the consent of your doctor, you should start a daily exercise program. Activities like cycling, walking, swimming and running could help you make physical activity a part of your daily routine. You should do aerobic exercise for about half an hour daily, five days a week.
Monitoring Blood Sugar
Depending on the type of treatment plan you’re on, you need to monitor your blood sugar at least twice daily. If you’re taking insulin, you need to do this several times a day. Ask your doctor to state the number of times you should monitor your blood sugar daily.
Taking Diabetes Medication/Insulin Therapy
Some patients can achieve their desired blood sugar levels with improvements in their diet and exercise only, while others also need insulin therapy and diabetes medications. The severity of your condition will determine which form of therapy is best.
We Can Help
At Hamilton Healthcare, we offer a one-stop health care solution for everyone. If you’re living with diabetes, we can provide all the information, care, medication and counseling you need to live a healthy life. We’re waiting to help you. Give us a call at 717-232-9971 now.