Introduction
Living with diabetics can be stressful, especially if recently diagnosed. People with diabetes should eat healthily, exercise regularly, and monitor their blood sugar levels daily. If not adequately cared for, their overall health may suffer. Diabetes is a long-term condition affecting how our body systems transform food into energy (“Diabetes basics,” 2021). Diabetes types include type 1 and 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and prediabetes.
Type 1, Type 2 and Prediabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction when the body’s insulin production ceases. Type 1 diabetics take insulin to survive; additionally, there is no known type 1 diabetes prevention. Type 2 diabetes occurs whenever the body cannot properly utilize insulin to maintain healthy blood sugar levels (“Diabetes basics,” 2021). Type 2 diabetes is avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are above usual but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (“Family health history and diabetes,” 2020). In the United States, people living with diabetes are over 37 million, and nearly 96 million have prediabetes, with a higher percentage unaware that they have it (“Family health history and diabetes,” 2020). Like type 2 diabetes, prediabetes is easily reversible with healthy lifestyle changes.
Symptoms and Complications of Diabetes
There are different symptoms of diabetes depending on the type and health of the person. Symptoms include increased urination, thirst, weight loss, tiredness, blurry vision and an increased rate of infections (“Diabetes basics,” 2021). If diabetes is not well cared for, it can lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputation (“Diabetes basics,” 2021). Generally, it is advisable to always go for a test as prediabetes can always be managed.
Type 2 diabetics are more likely to develop health problems and infectious diseases like yeast infections, which necessitate additional treatment. Type 1 diabetics need to use insulin for their entire lives, whereas type 2 diabetics must change their lifestyles and take medications to control their sugar levels. Severe cases requiring medication can be financially burdensome for the patient. Diabetes involves planning and management, but it is possible to live an active and healthy life with diabetes.
Ideal Diabetic Diet
The ideal diet for diabetics should focus on weight loss, nutrition, and health. It involves the consumption of whole foods, fruits and vegetables, plant-based fats and proteins, legumes, whole grains, and nuts (Locke et al., 2018). The diet should include fats from olive oil, avocados, and omega-3 fatty acids from flax and cold-water fish. Sugars, refined grains, red meat, pork, eggs, and poultry should be avoided. Artificially sweetened beverages and refined grain diets have been linked to an increased risk and poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes (Locke et al., 2018). In general, the ideal diet should avoid all animal products.
Diabetics experience hunger and must frequently eat to stabilize their blood glucose levels. People with diabetes often consult with a dietician; it can be challenging to locate the best dietician to assist them in developing an eating plan. Diabetes can significantly impact people’s social lives; for example, when out with friends, one may be tempted to eat and, if not cautious, often make poor choices. Ultimately, this has resulted in the majority preferring to eat from home.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
Regular blood sugar monitoring for type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be done in various ways. The first method is to use a blood sugar meter to measure the blood sugar level in a small blood sample (“Diabetes basics,” 2021). Secondly, because it has a sensor, a continuous glucose monitor can measure blood sugar by inserting it under the skin. The recommended blood sugar levels are 80 to 130 mg/dl before meals and less than 180 mg/dl one to two hours after meals (“Diabetes basics,” 2021). The established ranges are regarded as safe; anything outside the scope is considered dangerous, and action should be taken. The need to check blood sugar frequently can become tiresome depending on the type of monitor used by a diabetic. Some glucose monitors are not covered by insurance, so the patient must dig deep into their pockets to obtain one. Blood sugar levels may differ depending on age, health and other factors.
Exercises that Benefit Diabetics
Exercises are necessary for people with diabetes as their bodies become more sensitive to insulin, thus beneficial in managing diabetes. Being active helps control blood sugar levels, and complications such as heart diseases can be avoided. Additional benefits include a healthy weight, improved memory and feeling happier (“Diabetes basics,” 2021). Some exercises that benefit people with diabetes include swimming, dancing, riding a bike, walking and playing sports.
For people with diabetes, it is best to get active by exercising to manage stress, as this can raise blood glucose levels. Staying fit helps keep blood sugar levels within normal ranges; thus, diabetics must move their bodies frequently. Eventually, this may have an impact on their overall performance. A person with diabetes may seek the assistance of a professional who can assist them in managing their exercise routine.
Biomedical Professionals Assisting Diabetic Patients
General practitioners (GPs), nurses, and medical secretaries assist patients with diabetes. GP is the patient’s first point of contact and is responsible for prescribing medications needed and referring patients to specialists and nutritionists (Sorensen et al., 2020). Diabetes specialized nurses work with medical secretaries to support diabetic patients in managing their condition. Diabetics can join support groups in addition to walking with their doctors. Without proper financial assistance, the cost of diabetes can be overwhelming to the patient. Some medicines cause side effects in the patient, so the doctor should devise a treatment plan that works best for the patient. The specialists provide advice and information to persons with diabetes.
References
Diabetes basics. (2021). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.
Family health history and diabetes. (2020). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web.
Locke, S., Schneiderhan, J., & Zick, S. M. (2018). Diets for health: Goals and guidelines. American Academy of Family Physicians., 97(11), 721-728. Web.
Sørensen, M., Groven, K. S., Gjelsvik, B., Almendingen, K., & Garnweidner-Holme, L. (2020). The roles of healthcare professionals in diabetes care: A qualitative study in Norwegian general practice. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 38(1), 12-23. Web.
