Having diabetes doesn’t mean you cannot satisfy your sugar cravings. Sometimes you just need desserts, especially when some sugar can raise your spirits. With simple swaps and easy daily adjustments, you can consume desserts without increasing your blood sugar level. How? You need to control your daily sugar intake by thinking creatively about your food choices.
Foods rich in carbohydrates contain some form of sugar, fibres and starch. To digest sugar, our body breaks it down to glucose. This glucose is then transported to body cells to produce energy. This ”transporter” is called Insulin – it moves glucose from the blood to body cells.
However, if you have diabetes, you do not have sufficient insulin. This increases glucose in the blood. Excess insulin can cause serious problems like heart disease, vision problems, kidney disease and stroke.
But there is a catch. The amount of sugar you are consuming depends on the amount and type of carbohydrates you are eating. Most sweets, cakes, candies and cookies have a high level of added sugars and unsaturated/unhealthy fats. Such foods can spike your blood sugar level. This is why you must avoid foods with extra sugar, unhealthy fats and high levels of sodium.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetics can consume sweets in a controlled way along with a well-balanced diet. Keep your body weight in check and regulate your everyday sugar intake. Regularly check your blood sugar level.
You cannot cut out sugar from your diet completely. If you do so, it would increase your cravings. So, plan a healthy diet and treat yourself with sweets intermittently.
Here’s how you can regulate daily sugar consumption without setting off alarms:
A healthier portion of sweets and desserts for diabetics can be a part of a balanced diet, even for people with diabetes. But you must keep an eye on your daily sugar and meal carbohydrate intake. If you are having trouble controlling your daily sugar intake or have any doubts regarding it, consult a health care professional and a registered dietitian.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Ref
Diabetes is a chronic condition that primarily affects your blood sugar levels. If left untreated, it may affect your heart, kidneys, vision and much more.
When you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, your physician may prescribe you one or more types of treatment to manage your blood sugar levels and reduce your complications. You can help yourself with simple lifestyle and diet modifications.
Further, your doctor may also provide you with a care plan for diabetes mellitus.
Knowing that you have diabetes may feel overwhelming and you may not know what to do next. The following ideas can help:
1. Understand What is Diabetes and How to Manage It
The good news is that complications from diabetes can be prevented or delayed when handled correctly. All in all, diabetes is all about managing and monitoring blood sugar levels.
2. Lifestyle Changes for Diabetes
Managing diabetes is about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, exercise and weight management.
Seek the help of experts like an endocrinologist, diabetes educator and other health specialists to develop the skills to manage your diabetes. Some of the healthy behaviours are:
A person with diabetes mustn’t skip any meals, especially when on medication.
3. Medication for Diabetes
Depending on your medical history and blood sugar levels, your physician may prescribe single or multiple medications to maintain your blood sugar in a healthy range.
One must continue these medications as instructed by their doctor and adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet. If in doubt, always discuss medication options with your diabetologist and they can help you understand the possible risks and advantages associated with them.
4. Blood Sugar Monitoring
Keep a glucometer or blood sugar monitor to check your blood glucose levels at home. Extreme sugar levels can cause health complications. Hence, it is essential to monitor and maintain your blood sugar levels in the target range.
5. Maintain Records
Tracking, recording and maintaining your blood sugar levels, diet plan, medications, prescription and other various reports will help you and your diabetologist understand or recognise patterns in blood sugar fluctuations if any. It is essential to maintain a health journal with details, such as meals, sugar levels and exercise regimen.
Keeping the prescription in the doctor’s file makes it easy for the physician to check your history.
Moreover, keeping records helps the physician determine the progress or regress you have made. It can help the doctor in titrating your treatment plan.
6. Find Support
Knowing that others can relate with you as they have the same problems as you have is comforting. You can share your concerns with people going through the same and get ideas on what has helped them.
You can find support and guidance by joining organisations, forums or groups.
Also Read: What is Milk Thistle Good For? Exploring its Research-Backed Benefits
Getting diagnosed with a new disease may be challenging to accept and handle. Hence, it is essential to understand the severity of the disease and implement the changes advised by the healthcare professional.
The critical aspect of managing diabetes is making lifestyle changes and following them to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Talking to the experts and following their instructions will surely help you.
It is always beneficial to talk to people going through the same issue as it helps you prepare and prevent complications that may arise due to a misstep.
Also Read: “Diet Alert: Foods To Avoid While Taking Metformin”
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
If you are battling diabetes and wish to know about the best diet for diabetes, we have news for you. A vegetarian diet is healthier for diabetes. Research shows that there is a 35% lower risk of developing diabetes if you stick to a vegetarian diet. And those who adopt a vegetarian diet after being a non-vegetarian show a 53% lower risk of developing diabetes than their fellow non-vegetarians.
Food plays a significant role in managing diabetes mellitus. By opting for a vegetarian diabetic diet, you can lead a healthy life and gain maximum health benefits.
A plant-based diet for diabetes is the best. A plant-based diet includes fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds. A plant-based diet helps lower the risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cancer.
Plant-based foods are rich in fibre, folate, antioxidants and phytochemicals that boost your health.
Dietary management of diabetes mellitus is the best way to manage diabetes. You can eat all plant-based foods but in moderation. Eating healthy for maintaining your blood sugar levels involves controlling your portion size and fulfilling your nutritional requirements.
The followings foods are to be included in your vegetarian diet for diabetes:
There are countless health benefits of a vegetarian diabetic diet. It is good for your heart as it helps lower cholesterol and LDL levels. A plant-based diet lowers your blood pressure levels and reduces the risk of a stroke and a heart attack.
Here’s a list of health benefits of a vegetarian diet for diabetes:
Plant-based foods or whole foods are rich in fibre content. This helps in the slow absorption of sugars into the blood and helps regulate your blood sugar levels.
Plant-based foods are lower in calories and higher in fibre. This increases their satiety value, thereby making you feel full for a longer time. Your daily intake of calories reduces, which helps you lose weight.
Most animal-based foods contain saturated fat. When you consume a vegetarian diet for diabetes, you consume less saturated fats, thereby reducing your risk of heart diseases and diabetes.
Dietary management of diabetes revolves around plant-based foods for regulating blood sugar levels. A healthy balanced diet is the best diet for diabetes. If you are planning to get on the vegetarian diet for diabetes, you need to be mindful of the following aspects:
A. Consume a limited amount of carbohydrates with each meal. Distribute your carb intake evenly throughout the day.
B. Include a wide variety of plant-based foods in your diet to meet your daily nutritional needs.
C. Your daily diet should consist of a limited amount of carbohydrates, a portion of lean protein and healthy fat in every meal.
D. Monitor your blood sugar levels daily while you are on the vegetarian diabetic diet.
E. Include plenty of vegetables in your diet to improve your fibre intake.
Here are three tips for newbies who wish to start their vegetarian diabetic diet:
1. Portion control for carbs
Most diabetics replace meat with extra carbohydrate-rich foods. This can lead to weight gain and high blood sugar levels.
Try to include carbs rich in fibre to stabilise your blood sugar levels and feel full for a longer time.
Carbohydrates rich in fibre content are:
2. Plant-based proteins
It’s a myth that you can get your proteins only from animal sources. Your dietary protein requirements can be met through a vegetarian diet as well.
Include the following foods for a protein-rich vegetarian diet for diabetes:
3. Healthy fats
By swapping to the vegetarian diet for diabetes, you ensure a huge shift in the dietary management of diabetes mellitus. Avoiding animal products helps keep saturated fats out of your diet. Plant-based foods are rich in heart-healthy fats like omega 3 and omega 6, which help maintain heart health.
Include these healthy fats in your diet:
Focus on eating a healthy, balanced, nutritious meal that contains plant-based foods. This is the crux of your vegetarian diet for diabetes. Incorporate nuts and seeds as a part of your mid-day snack or snack on some veggie sticks with hummus. This helps maintain your blood sugar levels and is essential in the dietary management of diabetes mellitus.
Also Read: Is Honey Good for Diabetes? Unveiling the Research Behind the Sweet Remedy
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Diabetes is a common disease in today’s time. It is not only observed in adults but children as well.
Previously, it was thought that children could only have Type 1 diabetes but, it is now observed that they can develop Type 2 diabetes and few other types of diabetes as well.
As per the National Diabetes Statistics Report 2020, almost 210,000 children and teenagers have diabetes. In fact, Type 2 diabetes in children is rising by 4.8% every year.
High blood sugar and diabetes are two terms that are used interchangeably. This is because the digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. After which, the pancreas secretes a hormone known as insulin which helps in the movement of glucose from your blood into the cells for energy.
Type 2 diabetes does not allow the cells to respond well to insulin, leading to a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream. This makes the sugar levels extremely high for the body to handle. The phenomenon is known as insulin resistance.
Children with Type 2 diabetes can develop Type 2 diabetes complications affecting the eyes, kidneys and heart. In certain cases, it can lead to blindness as well.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms in children generally show very slowly and gradually. Hence, it becomes difficult to detect early on. In fact, some children have no symptoms at all.
However, diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes can be made based on the following symptoms:
Children having Type 2 diabetes might go to the restroom more frequently as compared to before the condition developed. Usually, the body excretes the excess sugar from the blood in the form of urine with water.
Children with type 2 diabetes might be more frequently thirsty. This is because increased urination often leads to dehydration.
Before the onset of type 2 diabetes, certain areas of skin begin to darken due to insulin resistance. This includes areas around the neck, back and armpits.
High blood sugar can pull the fluid from the lenses of the eyes, making it harder for the child to focus. Children developing Type 2 diabetes might also complain about their eyes paining frequently.
Insulin resistance can lead to fatigue as the body can’t convert blood sugar levels effectively. Type 2 diabetes in children makes them easily exhausted after a minor physical activity.
Type 2 diabetes diagnosis can be made by observing sudden weight loss too. The body does not receive the proper energy that sugar supplies which leads to the shrinking of muscle tissues and fat stores.
Insulin resistance can lead to slower healing of injuries and soreness in the body.
No one knows the exact cause of type 2 diabetes. However, family genetics and sedentary lifestyle play an important role. Obesity and inactivity in kids can also lead to type 2 diabetes.
Being overweight is a type 2 diabetes risk factor for kids. Children with fatty tissue around the abdomen have a high chance of developing this disease.
Children who have a family history of diabetes can be at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Children with sedentary lifestyles are also at risk. Physical activity generally helps a child control their weight while using glucose as energy and making their cells more responsive towards insulin.
Babies that are born prematurely before 39 to 42 weeks gestation have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
The long-term complications develop gradually over a period. Some of the type 2 diabetes complications include:
However, keeping the child’s blood sugar levels close to normal can reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes complications.
A healthy and well-balanced life can help in managing type 2 diabetes in kids. Eating leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains is a good idea. Also, indulging children in fun physical activities and exercises can keep them healthy.
If a child already has type 2 diabetes, then healthy lifestyle changes can help in reducing the complications. Apart from that, it is always advisable to monitor your child’s health and visit the doctor immediately if you see any symptoms.
Also Read: Magnesium Deficiency: Understanding Causes, Signs, and Solutions
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Diabetes, a metabolic disorder, results in abnormal blood sugar levels in our bodies. If not checked, it can cause significant damage to the body. While medicines have their role to play, dietary changes can positively impact blood sugar levels. When thinking of making a lifestyle change for improved health, people ask, ”Which is the most effective and the best diet for diabetes?” The consensus believes that the Keto diet is the best for diabetes, as it is a low-carb diet.
Keto meals target a lower blood sugar level by decreasing the carbohydrate in the diet. Simply, it is a low-carb, high-fat diet plan.
The Keto diet meal plan advocates the following conditions:
The Keto diet has been here for a century now. It is thought to be beneficial as a therapeutic tool for various medical conditions such as:
– Epilepsy in kids
– Parkinson’s
– PCOS
– Diabetes
– Dementia
– Bipolar Disorders
– Some Cancers
When a diabetic person follows the Keto diet meal plan, the body goes into a stage of ketosis. Ketosis is when the body starts to use the body fat for energy as opposed to carbohydrates. This phenomenon has popularised the belief that the Keto diet for diabetics is beneficial in terms of weight loss and blood sugar control.
The word ketosis should not be confused with Ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes. When the blood sugar reaches high levels and there is a lack of insulin, the body starts breaking fat cells to meet the energy requirements. Ketones are released in the blood as a result of fat breakdown. High levels of ketones can be fatal and result in Ketoacidosis.
Under certain circumstances, the keto diet may harm the body more than doing good.
Not monitoring blood sugar levels when eating keto meals can be dangerous. As the ketosis begins in a few weeks of the diet, the blood sugar levels can take a dip. If the monitoring is irregular and medicine dosage is not adjusted to the changing blood sugar levels, it can cause serious issues.
If the keto diet is not followed actively, the blood sugar levels may consequently increase. As per research, the keto diet for diabetes does not allow the body to utilise insulin optimally. It can result in insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type-2 diabetes.
Since the keto diet advocates 75% of fat as the main component of the diet, it can be detrimental. Often patients with diabetes also have higher chances of Dyslipidaemia (abnormally elevated cholesterol levels or fats in the blood). The increased fat intake can shoot up cholesterol levels.
Though there is a lack of evidence to support the theory, there can be a link between the keto diet and the risk of obesity and heart diseases.
If the diet is not maintained properly or left abruptly, there can be rebound weight gain after the diet. The body metabolism and insulin levels may not adjust accordingly. This behaviour of the body can create a problem.
Consult the diabetologist if you feel any of the below signs and symptoms when following the keto diet for diabetics:
Also Read: Is Coconut Milk Keto? Exploring its Potential in a Keto Diet
The keto diet is known to have some side effects. Unmonitored keto meals or keto diet plans that are not in sync with the diabetic and metabolic history of the person can have side effects. Some of the side effects that may occur with keto meals include:
The basic premise of keto meals and their impact on blood sugar levels makes it one of the contenders as the best diet for diabetics. Dietary requirements, calorie intake, body metabolism, and type of diabetes vary amongst individuals. Experts suggest that a person with diabetes must follow a diet that is sustainable for a long period of time. Keto diet or other extreme diet plans may show exciting results in a short duration, but they are difficult to follow throughout life. One must learn about a healthy nutrition plan for diabetes from their doctor and registered nutritionist based on their eating habits, choice and health needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
A study of more than 5000 adults with Diabetes highlighted the importance of family, friends, and colleagues in improving well-being and self-management. Family members are often asked to share the responsibility for disease management. They can provide many forms of support, such as instrumental support in driving patients to appointments or helping to inject insulin and social and emotional support in helping patients cope with their disease.
Through their communication and attitudes, family members often have a significant impact on a patient’s psychological well-being, the decision to follow recommendations for medical treatment, and the ability to initiate and maintain changes in diet and exercise.
Family members can feel distressed by their loved one’s diabetes due to limited knowledge about diabetes or not knowing how to support their loved one.
The family may also have misconceptions, such as believing that the patient knows more about diabetes than the patient actually reports or not understanding their loved one’s needs in diabetes management.
A diabetes caregiver should be made aware of the signs to identify any complications of eye, foot or kidney problems at an early stage and report to the physician. Paying attention to even loss of sensations or slippers slipping off the foot might be helpful to report at follow-ups.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Read More About: Tips for Diabetes Management
Knowledge about the disease, strategies to alter family routines, and optimal ways to cope with the emotional aspects of the disease are some of the aspects of diabetes self-management that family members need.
Educating family members about diabetes-care needs can help ease this strain by explaining why these changes are necessary, how these changes can best be implemented, and where to find additional information, such as healthy recipes or exercise routines.
Everyday care for diabetic patients includes “Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. Stop smoking, Keep track of your blood sugar.”
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The following 4 cornerstones of care are really important to pay attention to when taking care of a family member with Diabetes:
Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves. People with diabetes have a higher risk of health problems including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
If you have a child with diabetes, gradually teach him or her how to manage the condition: Although parents should always have a role in monitoring their child’s diabetes, as they get older, teens can take an increasing role in blood sugar monitoring and meal planning. Read more about symptoms of diabetes in children
Administering or tracking medications, encouraging changes to diet and activity levels, and ensuring regular monitoring as directed by a healthcare provider especially identifying any ulcers that don’t heal and reporting any changes in vision.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Read More About 10 Home Remedies for Diabetes
Need more information on diabetes and its related diseases? Ask Anya! Chat with Anya Bot here via Facebook and get more information on diabetes management.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
References
Many patients fail to understand why taking their diabetes medicines on a regular basis are of utmost importance. Even on the days of testing the sugar levels, it is critical to consume the prescribed diabetes medication as this will give you an insight into whether the medication is working effectively or not! Dr Gadge also suggests that every day as well as on test days, we should follow a regular meal pattern, define our mealtimes, and stick to it! This is an effective diabetes management trick!
For effective diabetes management, ideally, blood sugar should be checked every 15 days, but this varies from patient to patient. Early diabetics (Diabetes of 2-3 years or patients who are less than ten years of age) should check their sugars every three months.
Similarly, long-standing diabetes patients who experience extreme fluctuations in their sugar levels should check their diabetes every 7-14 days or whenever they feel something abnormal.
Diabetes is a chronic disease, so medications have to be consumed on a regular basis. If the medicines are not taken regularly, the sugar levels will fluctuate and the HbA1c (avg sugar in 3 months) will not come under control.
With excessive blood sugar levels in our body, bacteria and other infections can easily attack us. Thus, we become more prone to respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin diseases, etc. Diabetes also affects immunity hence makes you prone to other diseases.
Also Read: How to Reduce Blood Sugar Level Immediately: Proven Methods and Guidelines
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
I still have a clear memory of her taking insulin after every meal and the way she used to keep some chocolates handy for her hypoglycemic episodes. I always knew that diabetes is a genetic problem and there are chances that I may also get this disease. Understanding the risk, I used to take special care of myself by eating right and exercise daily. But who could escape the problem that is in the blood!
I was 27 when I got diagnosed with diabetes. Before I tell you my story, let me introduce myself.
My name is Preet Karan. I am 28 years old, male, living in a small town in Chhattisgarh province. I am an MBA graduate and currently employed in a leading multinational bank.
I was working as a relationship manager hence travelling and meeting clients was my daily routine. Everything was working well until I realized that I was making frequent visits to the toilet. I didn’t pay any attention to it as it was the summer season and I thought maybe it was because of drinking too much water. But these were only the initial symptoms. My condition worsened in the following weeks. I was losing weight. I lost almost ten kgs in a week. My muscles softened to the extent that I could feel my hip bone while sitting in the office. My trips to the loo became more frequent.
I distinctly remember one incident when I was at an eatery located on the outskirts of the city. During our 1 hour stay in that restaurant, I may have gone to urinate at least 6-7 times.
My friends suspected something amiss, but I still blamed it on the hot summer.
However, the most challenging situation for me was to get dressed for the job. It was too exhausting to get out of bed and go all the way to meet clients.
This routine continued for a month until my grandmother observed ants in the toilet area. She asked me to test my urine and blood sugar, as the sugar in the urine may be attracting ants.
At that time, I also started feeling something wrong with my body, so I immediately complied. I went to the nearest medical laboratory and gave my blood sample. After work, I went to the laboratory to check my report.
And BOOM! My blood sugar reading was around 550 mg/dl. I immediately went to my family doctor, who asked me to do a retest in the morning. I still remember how painful that night was.
I couldn’t sleep the whole night; I was blaming myself for not taking enough care of my body.
The thought of injecting the needles scared the hell out of me. I had already seen my mother struggling with this problem and I certainly did not want to suffer the same. It was an emotional rollercoaster ride for me. I felt anger, anguish, anxiety and pity all at the same time through the night.
After the long night, I went to another laboratory. ”There was something wrong with the previous laboratory,” I thought. I gave my blood samples and waited eagerly for the report.
Each second that I waited felt like a lifetime. The report came, and to my horror, I was labelled a ‘diabetic.’
At that time, I felt like I had lost everything. The efforts that I had put in for my studies, for the job and everything else, seemed to be all wasted. I realized that it was more important to keep your body fit.
All types of thoughts were coming to my mind.
Could I still do my job?
Did I have other diabetic complications?
Would I need to take injections or medicines only?
With all these questions, I went to the endocrinologist. He comforted me and performed all kind of tests to see if I had any other diabetes-related health issues.
The reports came, and I found that I had been a diabetic for the past three months.
I was lucky as there was no organ damage.
The doctor asked me to follow a regular balanced diet and take insulin twice a day. I was following his instructions, but something was wrong. I was not able to control my blood sugar levels. I was taking ten units of insulin twice, but the blood sugar levels were always haywire. Unable to understand what is happening I decided to research online.
I read lots of diabetic research papers and came to know about the carb counting mechanism. It’s a simple mechanism that states the number of carbohydrates in every meal. I found that diabetes is a problem of carbohydrate metabolism, the more carbohydrate you put into the body, the more insulin will be needed for metabolism.
After learning this strategy, I reduced my carbohydrate intake and relied on foods that are rich in good fats. This mechanism helped me to get off from insulin injections for a year.
I found that my body is still making some amount of insulin, which is sufficient if I eat foods that are low in carbohydrates.
But as I was Type 1 diabetic, I knew that a time would come when the leftover insulin-making-cells will get destroyed, and then I will have to rely on an external source of insulin.
Also Read: What Level of Blood Sugar is Dangerous? A Complete, Research-Based Guide
After one year, that time came. My blood sugar went above 200mg/dl even if I didn’t eat anything.
I got the signal that my insulin-producing cells were destroyed, and I had to now rely on an external source of insulin for the rest of my life. Currently, I am using short-acting insulin after every meal and a dose of long-acting at night before going to bed. I still follow a carb counting mechanism, which helps in managing my diabetes better. Being selective in your diet not only helps in better blood sugar control, but it also helps you to keep your body fit and healthy.
I have also created yogicult.com, a website that shares diabetes management tips.
After a year of living with diabetes, I can now say that it is not the type of condition that is going to limit your abilities. If you are diagnosed, please don’t stop dreaming, there are politicians, actors and even sports personalities who have touched the pinnacle of success after diagnosed with diabetes
So focus on eating right, and I am sure you will do great.
About Me:
Preet Karan is the administrator of yogicult.com. The site publishes articles about effective diabetes and health management. The focus of the author is to understand the technical research and present to the readers in a simplified manner.
Disclaimer: Please note that the above information is prepared by the author and states his/her point of view and may not represent practices that are followed universally. It states facts about his/her life and maps their journey of disease-diagnosis-treatment. Because every patient is unique, you are advised to consult your doctor before trying out or acting on this information. PharmEasy has only facilitated the distribution of this information in the interest of patient journey and welfare.
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the person cannot metabolize glucose in the blood efficiently. The body becomes desensitized to insulin or produces it in insufficient quantities. This can lead to many other problems like vision loss, heart problems, kidney failure, amputations and hypertension in the patient.
There are many things you can do to avoid diabetes complications. Here are a few tips:
Losing excess weight can help you deal with your diabetes better. A healthy weight helps control the blood sugar levels and lead to fewer fluctuations in your glucose levels. Plus, being lean will ensure that your heart and your kidneys are not unnecessarily taxed.
Keeping a constant watch on your blood glucose levels will ensure that you control major deviations from the set ranges. Keep a diary to track the effect of food and diet on your sugar levels.
Read More: Understanding Blood Sugar Levels
By keeping track of the amount and the kind of carbohydrates you are eating will help you figure out which ones are good for you. Choose high-fibre carbs, preferably with a low glycemic index to manage diabetes optimally.
High cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels are bad for your body. With diabetes, the body’s immunity decreases. Also, the rest of the organs are pressurized to deal with elevated blood glucose levels. Keeping these parameters in check helps the body to deal with diabetes better and protects the heart and the kidneys from damage.
Exercising not only keeps your blood sugar levels under control but also keeps your weight in check. It reduces stress, detoxifies the body and brings down cholesterol levels. Walking, dancing, yoga, swimming are all great alternatives to burn calories. If you haven’t been very active, start slow and build up your workouts. Read more health benefits of exercise.
Those who do not sleep well at night end up eating more and putting on more weight. Sleep on time and for enough hours to provide ample rest to your body. Those who sleep better show more stable blood sugar levels. Also, sleep helps the body repair itself. If you are having trouble sleeping, follow a sleep routine that could include meditation, listening to soothing music, or reading.
Also Read: Tips to Avoid Breakthrough Seizures: A Comprehensive Guide
After genetics, stress is one of the leading causes of diabetes. Too much stress elevates the blood sugar levels, makes you eat more, sleep less and causes havoc with your daily life. Learn to meditate or find ways to not stress yourself out. Read more different types of relaxation techniques that help you de-stress.
Tobacco in any form is harmful to the body. And there are no safe levels of drinking alcohol. One should stay away from these unhealthy habits when aiming for a healthy life.
Consult your diabetologist regularly and follow the prescription sincerely. Never skip your diabetes medications or stop them without a doctor’s advice. Medications for diabetes can help maintain your blood sugars in a healthy range and, when combined with the above-mentioned measures, can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Follow the above steps and figure out what works best for you. Diabetes can be controlled and many people live a quality life by ensuring their glucose levels don’t fluctuate too much.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Ref
