Treating and managing diabetes: what are your options

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Diabetes has been affecting people and their lives for thousands of years. Although there is no cure yet for such a horrible disease, there is more funding than ever before to study diabetes and its treatment. Because of that, there is now a wider range of ways to treat and manage diabetes.

If you or your loved one is diagnosed with this chronic illness, know that you can still live a long healthy life by taking care of yourself and getting quality medical care. When it comes to treating and managing diabetes, you have different options to look into, and we’re highlighting them below.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects almost every part of your body. It occurs when your pancreas can’t use insulin well as it should or doesn’t produce enough insulin that’s supposed to help glucose from food get into your cell to be used for energy. As a result, your blood sugar becomes high, causing health problems like diabetes.

There are different types of diabetes, but we’re discussing some key points about type 1 vs type 2. Type 1 diabetes is commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents, while type 2 diabetes is most often detected in older people.

With type 1 diabetes, people can no longer produce insulin, while those with type 2 diabetes don’t respond well to insulin as they should. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes quickly develop while it may take years to appear in type 2 diabetes.

Treating and Managing Your Diabetes

Each type of diabetes may require a particular type of treatment and management. But both demand lifestyle changes and medical care for you to cope and live with it.

Read through the following and know the different treatment and management options for diabetes. It’s worth noting, though, that you may be required to use them all to be able to treat and manage your condition.

Taking Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to control blood glucose levels and prevent further complications. If you have type 1 diabetes, you will always need insulin since your body no longer produces it. On the other hand, metformin is a vital medication if you have type 2 diabetes to make insulin more effective and help you lose weight.

There are other diabetes medicines that your doctor may require you to take. But don’t hesitate to communicate with them and ask about the potential risks and side effects when receiving a prescription. Moreover, you can get discounts on these prescriptions by using cards and coupons.

Following A Meal Plan

Diet is an essential component in treating and managing diabetes. That’s why your health care providers will likely include medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to keep your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control. There will be a meal plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle that you have to follow.

Note that how much you eat is equally important as what type of food you eat. But generally, your diet may have to include a healthy balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to help sustain your blood glucose on target.

Doing A Regular Exercise

Movement and exercise are crucial to control your blood glucose levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risks. Moreover, doing regular exercise can improve your body’s use of insulin. But whatever type of diabetes you have, make sure to check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Monitoring Blood Glucose Level

If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, monitoring your blood glucose level will be a significant part of your daily lifestyle. Such monitoring is essential for deciding about the food, physical activity, and medicines you should take. You can use a blood glucose meter to check your blood glucose level now and then.

However, it’s highly recommended that you have a regular checkup with your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health condition. Besides monitoring your blood glucose level, you have to work with your doctor to prevent possible complications and treat any additional comorbidities.

Getting A Mental Health Care Plan

Part of treating and managing diabetes is securing a mental health care plan in place. The burdens and worries of accepting your condition, keeping up the lifestyle demands, and treating diabetes can result in considerable distress. If you are mentally distressed, it can be harder to manage your diabetes. Thus, it’s also a must to take care of your mental health.

Developing A Strong Support Network

Most often, being diagnosed with diabetes can be overwhelming. But remember that you don’t have to go it alone. It’s important to develop a strong support network to help you cope with the daily demands of treating and managing diabetes. Your support system may be behavioral, educational, psychological, clinical, or personal.

In Summary

Treating and managing diabetes is not easy work. It can be stressful and frustrating at times. But making healthy choices every day is essential if you want to live a healthier and longer life, even if you have diabetes. Remember that taking care of yourself with or without diabetes must always be on top of your priorities.