Diabetes Management

      Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes—is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. This high blood sugar produces the classical symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger).

Diabetes treatment includes proper diet, exercise, regular Blood Sugar monitoring and medications; oral drugs or insulin replacement. 

Diabetes can be kept under check by such proper care and treatment. 

ONCE DIAGNOSED, DIABETES CANNOT BE CURED, 

SO DO NOT FALL PREY TO PEOPLE OFFERING MAGICAL CURES

Your doctor knows the best treatment for you as it depends on the type of diabetes, your condition, age, weight and associated problems.

Diet tips: Simple guidelines that you can follow. 

      

1. Fill up on carbohydrates such as chapatti or bread, rice, porridge and pasta. They are inexpensive and will stop you from reaching for sugary snacks when hungry.

    

2. Eat small regular meals with healthy snacks such as fruit or vegetables in-between. Try to use skimmed             milk, vegetable oils and change your cooking methods to include more boiled, grilled and 

steamed foods.

3. An excess intake of fats and fat products like ghee, butter, fried foods like puris, kachoris, etc. should be avoided. Avoid an excessive intake of refined carbohydrates (sugars) like sugar, jaggery, honey, jams, cakes and chocolates.

4. Eat less of foods such as meat, (fried) fish, chicken and cheese. Eat bigger portions of vegetables and starchy foods.

CAN A PERSON WITH DIABETES UNDER TAKE FASTS?

      

If your diabetes is under control and you want to undertake fasts, consult your doctor. He/She will guide you how to change your medication if required during this period and may also suggest a suitable change in diet. Remember, it is important to follow the doctor’s advice on diet during partial fasts.

EXERCISE

WHY IS REGULAR EXERCISE GOOD FOR A PERSON WITH DIABETES?

• Improves blood sugar control.
• Improves weight control.    
• Increases a sense of well being.
• Increases your body’s sensitivity to insulin.
• At lest 30-45 minuets of brisk walk 

EXERCISE TIPS:

Do’s 

• Always consult your doctor before starting your exercise routine.
• Start gradually but do it regularly.
• Exercise at the same time everyday.
• Participate in active sports like jogging, swimming etc.
• Keep sugar or something sweet handy to avoid low blood sugar levels.
• Always have someone around who can detect symptoms of hypoglycaemia.

Don'ts

• Do not exercise on an empty stomach.
• Avoid exercise soon after injecting insulin.
• Don’t exercise if your blood sugar values are high and your diabetes is not under control.

MEDICATION

ORAL TABLETS:

Diet and exercise and sometimes not enough to curb high blood sugar. Anti diabetic tablets are medicines taken orally (in the form of tablets or capsules) that help to reduced the blood sugar levels.

Some tablets work by stimulating the pancreas to increase insulin production. For tablets to act the patient’s pancreas must be capable of secreting insulin. Some oral anti diabetic tablets work at cell level to help insulin enter the cell. Some oral anti diabetic tablets slow the absorption of glucose into the body.

When the pancreas cannot produce insulin any more, tablets become ineffective and these patients require insulin for control of their diabetes.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TABLETS AVAILABLE IN INDIA INCLUDE 

Biguanides 

Sulphonylureas

Meglitanides (glitanides)

Sensitizers (Glitazones)

Dipeptidas inhibitors (Gliptines)

Important: Their mode of action is different. The choice between these is based on several factors and your doctor knows the one most suitable for you.

NOTE: However due to the progression of the diabetes, insulin becomes inevitable in many diabetics. 

Hence it may be beneficial for you to initiate insulin if your doctor has recommended it.

The above article is for information & for awareness, Please consult your Family Physician for further treatment.

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1. Diabetes
2. COMPLICATIONS IN DIABETES
3. DIABETIC FOOT ULCER
4. DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY
5. DIABETIC RETINOPATHY