Managing Diabetes - PRACTICAL TIPS

Posted by Trupti Shirole on Tue, Sep 7, 2010
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There is an exapanding population of diabetes in China and India. Estimated that there are ove 120 million diabetics in India. Enlisted here are practical tips to manage your diabetes.

Strictly follow your doctor/endocrinologist’s instructions about controlling your blood glucose level. Take the medicines or insulin injections at the prescribed time.

Monitor the blood glucose levels regularly and follow-up with your doctor every 2months.

Changing the lifestyle is important in managing diabetes. Proper dietary management and exercising regularly is very important.

Diet must be low on sugar, fat and must consist of vegetables, fruits, whole grains. Cut down on sugar intake.

Eat 5-6 small meals per day.

Do not stay hungry for a longer period.

Have food at regular intervals even if you are not feeling hungry.

Diet should be rich in fiber.

Avoid junk food.

Exercising regularly reduces the fat and increases insulin sensitivity. Walking is a very good exercise. Yoga may also be helpful (paschimotasan).

If the blood glucose level falls after exercising consume a fresh fruit juice or any drink that will provide sugar to the body.

Consult your doctor about multivitamin supplementation. Diabetic people tend to have a lower level of vitamins and minerals in their body. Vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium and zinc supplementation help reducing the damage to eyes, kidneys, nerve endings.

Consult the doctor for any abnormal changes like excessive sleep, difficulty in urination etc.

Professional dental cleaning and flossing must be done every 6months.

Routine eye check ups, every 6months is a must.

Quit smoking.

Aromatherapy is useful for curing skin diseases and relieving stress in diabetic patients. Put 3-5 drops of essential oil (juniper/ geranium/ eucalyptus) on the patient’s handkerchief and ask them to inhale it. This helps relieve stress.

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