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Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose, a type of sugar that is essential for energy and health. If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels are either too high or too low, which can cause serious complications over time.
Managing diabetes can be challenging, but it is not impossible. With proper care and support, you can live a long and healthy life with diabetes. In this blog, we will provide some tips and resources for patients and caregivers who want to learn more about diabetes management.
What are the goals of diabetes management?
The main goal of diabetes management is to keep your blood glucose levels within a normal range as much as possible1. This can help prevent or delay the onset of complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye problems, and foot problems.
To achieve this goal, you will need to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly using a device called a glucometer1. You will also need to take medications that help lower your blood glucose levels, such as insulin injections or pills1. Depending on your type of diabetes and your doctor’s recommendations, you may need to take one or more medications at different times of the day.
Another important goal of diabetes management is to adopt a healthy lifestyle that supports your well-being. This includes eating a balanced diet that provides enough carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and fiber2. You should also limit your intake of added sugars, salt, saturated fats, and alcohol2.
Exercise is also beneficial for people with diabetes because it helps lower blood glucose levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and muscle uptake of glucose3. You should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week3. You can choose any activity that you enjoy and that suits your abilities.
How can caregivers help with diabetes management?
If you are caring for someone with diabetes, you play an important role in their diabetes management. You can help them by:
- Reminding them to take their medications on time
- Helping them check their blood glucose levels
- Encouraging them to eat healthy meals and snacks
- Supporting them to be physically active
- Accompanying them to medical appointments
- Learning about the signs and symptoms of low or high blood glucose levels
- Knowing how to treat low or high blood glucose levels
- Being aware of potential complications and when to seek medical attention
- Providing emotional support and coping strategies
Where can you find more information about diabetes management?
There are many resources available online that can help you learn more about diabetes management. Some examples are:
- Diabetes Canada: https://diabetes.ca/ 45
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963 3
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes 2
You can also consult your doctor or health-care team for personalized advice and guidance. They can help you create a diabetes management plan that suits your needs and goals.
Diabetes management is not easy but it is worth it. By taking care of yourself each day, you can improve your quality of life with diabetes. Remember that you are not alone in this journey. There are many people who care about you and who want to help you succeed.
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Sources:
- Diabetes management – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_management
- Managing Diabetes – NIDDK – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes
- Diabetes management: How lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963
- Clinical Practice Guidelines – Diabetes Canada. https://diabetes.ca/cpg
- Management and self-care – Diabetes Canada. https://diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/management-and-self-care
