What Patients Need to Know about Diabetes & Diabetes Management
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that happens when the blood sugar, or glucose, is too high in the blood. The disease has two main categories: Type 1 and Type 2, with gestational diabetes being a third, less significant category.
Type 1 Diabetes
This means the body makes less insulin than what it needs. Insulin is what helps a body pull glucose from food and convert it to energy. When the glucose cannot be pulled from food, it enters the bloodstream directly, making the glucose levels too high. People with this type of diabetes will self-inject insulin on a daily basis.
Type 2 Diabetes
This type of diabetes finds the body not using or creating insulin. It is the most common form and sufferers must take supplements or inject insulin directly.
Gestational Diabetes
This form occurs in pregnant women. The risk of Type 2 raises with gestational diabetes for the rest of the mother’s life. The child is at risk of being overweight and also having diabetes.
- Problems Caused by Diabetes
- Diabetes is very serious, and can lead to other issues, such as:
- Eye problems
- Heart stroke or disease
- Kidney issues
- Nerve damage
- Gum disease or tooth loss
Managing Diabetes
Diabetes patients who take care of themselves manage the disease better than those who don’t. Working with a health care professional and following a basic self-care plan helps diabetes patients live longer and suffer from fewer side effects.
Diabetes Meal Plan
Many diabetics have a meal plan. The plan includes healthy choices, such as lean meats, fish, chicken, fruits, vegetables, beans, low-fat milk and cheese. Fat, salt and sugar are reduced in the diet, because these items will raise glucose.
Exercise
Diabetics need exercise to stay healthy. Moving helps keep weight down and helps control blood movement, helping insulin production and moving glucose.
Reduce Stress
Stress increases glucose, so reducing stress helps manage diabetes. Support groups are a great way to work through stress, as are friends or clergy. Smoking cessation is also in order, as smoking only exacerbates the situation.
The Vancouver Home Health Care Agency can help with diabetes management.
At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.