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PharmEasy Blog

Let’s Take Charge Of Diabetes | World Diabetes Day 2022

Introduction

In this rapidly progressing world, most of us lead fast-paced lifestyles. We eat on the go, drink less water, and sleep significantly less, and that has increased the risk of lifestyle disorders. And, one such chronic condition is diabetes. 

Today, 1 in 2 adults with diabetes is undiagnosed worldwide, out of which 1 in every 12 adults living with diabetes is in India, the second highest in the world. With an increasing number of people being diagnosed with diabetes every year, there is a greater need for early detection and prompt treatment.

PharmEasy conducted a survey amongst its regular chronic customers who purchased diabetes medicines and booked diabetes-related health checkups. Here’s what we found out.

Diabetes management not only involves treatment and supervision by a diabetologist but also focuses on improving the quality of life by eating a healthy diet, leading an active lifestyle and regularly monitoring blood sugar levels.

Let us look at how PharmEasy customers are actively taking charge of their diabetes.

Conclusion

While the rise in the number of people with diabetes is alarming, following your doctor’s prescription sincerely, inculcating healthy habits and regular health check-ups may help lower its consequences. 

Together, let’s take charge and manage diabetes better.

To read the full infographic, click here. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information contained in or available through this article is for general information purposes only.

World Diabetes Day: Access to Care Made Easy

Every individual is entitled to good health and wellbeing. To ensure healthy living, accessibility to medications and other health facilities are of vital importance. Today, in many parts of the world, people do not have the opportunity to realise their needs. Drawing inspiration from this vacuum is the theme of this year’s World Diabetes Day, ‘Access to Diabetes Care: If Not Now, When?’ 

World Diabetes Day is celebrated around the world on 14th November, on the occasion of Sir Frederick Banting’s birthday. Sir Frederick Banting discovered Insulin in collaboration with Charles Best in 1922. This date was chosen for the launch of WDD in the year 1991 by the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation.  

Diabetes is hailed as a silent killer due to the health complications it brings about. Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition characterised by high levels of blood sugar. According to a report by the World Health Organization, more than a million deaths took place in 2019 due to diabetes. Diabetes is the major cause of heart attacks, stroke, blindness and kidney failure. 

So, on the occasion of World Diabetes Day 2021, let us discuss how you can stay healthy if you are living with diabetes.  

Risk factors and causes

When we come to the causes of diabetes, there are two types to elaborate on; type 1 and type 2. 

The reason why type 1 diabetes occurs is unknown. What little can be gathered is that the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas which are responsible for producing insulin. This leads to an insulin deficit in the body while sugar starts to accumulate in the bloodstream. 

For type 2 diabetes, the causes are categorised into two which are also interrelated:

• Cells become insulin resistant and do not take in the requisite amount of sugar
• The pancreas fails to produce the required amount of insulin leading to high blood sugars. 

Some risk factors that can make you more prone to type 2 diabetes are as follows:

• Weight: Obesity and weight gain pose a great risk. This includes fat accumulation in the abdomen area.
• Not being active enough: Sufficient physical activity daily regulates your weight and uses the excess glucose for energy. This makes cells more insulin sensitive. 
• Family history: You are at risk of diabetes if your grandparents, parents and siblings are diagnosed with it. 
• Age: Middle-aged people after the age of 45 are at risk of diabetes. 
• Pregnancy: If you had gastrointestinal diabetes during your pregnancy, you can develop type 2 diabetes later on. 
• Excessive alcohol and smoking.

Warning signs

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have the following warning signs:

• The body depends on food for energy. The carbohydrate from food is converted into glucose that is used up by the cells. When the body is not able to meet the insulin demand, the glucose will not be able to pass into the cells. This makes you more hungry and fatigued than normal. 
• Since a diabetic tends to pee a lot, the body gets dehydrated. This might make your mouth and your overall skin dry and itchy. 
• A diabetic person will experience blurred vision and will have difficulty focussing. 
• As the glucose doesn’t get used up by the cells, a diabetic person will be highly susceptible to yeast infections. Such infections will generally develop under the breast area, the gap between toes and fingers and in intimate areas such as around the sex organs.
• A slow rate of healing for cuts and sores. 
• Painful sensation in the legs or feet is another indication of nerve damage
• Skin Darkening: If you have velvety, dark patches of darkened skin in the areas around your neck and armpit, it could be an indication of insulin resistance. 

Foods to include and foods to avoid

Diabetic people need to pay special care and attention to what they are putting inside their body as what you eat can spike your blood sugar level and put your health in jeopardy. It is believed that the diet plan recommended for someone with diabetes is the ideal diet plan for all for a healthier life. 

• Fatty fish: Regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids reduces chances of inflammation. you have a lower risk of heart attacks. 
• Leafy Greens: Broccoli, kale and spinach are good sources of fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants 
• Eggs: Eggs are highly versatile, extremely nutritious, filling and a powerhouse of protein and essential vitamins. Eggs have also been found to better insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation and improve good cholesterol. 
• Chia Seeds: These seeds are a great alternative for vegetarians or vegans, diagnosed with diabetes but unable to gather their omega-3 fatty acid requirement from fish. Chia seeds and flax seeds are fibre-dense, low in carbohydrates and can help to decrease blood pressure and inflammation. 
• Nuts: Good source of fibre, healthy fat but low in carbohydrates, nuts are nutritious, filling and tasty. Nuts are good for heart health which is a requirement since diabetes makes you prone to coronary conditions. 

While some foods will regulate your blood sugar levels, keep inflammation under control, others will do just the opposite and put you at risk of diabetes-induced health complications. Some of these are:

• Trans fat: trans fat is extremely unhealthy for all. These foods include all pre-packed items such as creamers, spreads, peanut butter that use unsaturated fat. These are termed unhealthy fat and increase bad cholesterol levels. 
• White Pasta/Rice/bread: all of these use refined flour, are processed and are high in carbohydrates. 
• Fruit Flavoured Yoghurt: Though plain yoghurt is recommended to diabetics as a good source of calcium and protein, fruit flavoured versions of the same are strictly not advisable as they contain high amounts of sugar. This can lead to a spike in insulin level and increased blood sugar. 
• Breakfast Cereals: Cereals might be one of the easiest and preferred breakfast options for all, but be aware that these are highly calorific due to sugar content and are anything but healthy. 
• Fruit Juices: Packaged fruit juices are high in sugar and low in nutrition. Should you wish to drink a glass of fruit juice, always aim to replace your craving with a fresh seasonal whole fruit and not the juice. 

Exercises

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, exercising regularly is highly recommended to keep both your weight and blood sugar under control. Here are 5 easy exercises that you can easily incorporate into your daily regime for about 30 minutes or so. 

• Cycling
• Brisk Walking 
• Aerobic Dance 
• Resistance Band Exercises 
• Yoga 

Dangers of not managing diabetes

Diabetes if left untreated can be lethal and complicated. It can either directly or indirectly weaken your bodily system. Below are some ways that diabetes can slowly break down your organs.  

•  Diabetes can create several issues with your blood vessels and heart
• Diabetes puts you at risk of increased eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. 
• You are at risk of kidney failure and the telltale sign of this is that you will notice your feet and legs swelling more than usual. 
•  If you do not have your diabetes under control you will experience gum issues and frequent infections
• It can affect your nervous system- tingling numbness in feet, urinary incontinence, memory loss, indigestion. 

If you are living with diabetes, a few lifestyle tweaks can keep you safe, healthy and out of unnecessary complications. 

Diabetes care

Diabetes is a complicated condition but one that can be kept under control. To lead a healthy life with your family, here is what you should do.  

• Follow a healthy diet as advised by your dietician or doctor
• Monitor your blood sugar daily (before and after you exercise)
• Refrain from smoking and alcohol
• Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol by not stressing too much and taking your prescribed medications on time
• Visit your ophthalmologist at least once every year  
• Pay attention to your body parts for any unusual skin darkening, swelling or infections  
• Take your oral health into your stride as diabetes can wreak havoc with your gums and teeth.  
• Eat healthily and timely.

Also Read: What Level of Blood Sugar is Dangerous? A Complete, Research-Based Guide

India’s toll-free diabetes helpline

In case of any emergency or treatment-related inquiry, you can call on the following toll-free number: 1800 121 2096. 

Conclusion: 

Living with diabetes can be stressful and frustrating at times due to the number of dietary restrictions one has to follow every day but rest assured that it is possible. With proper emotional and mental support from your loved ones, you can lead a healthy and normal life. Furthermore, due to the active efforts on the part of the government to spread awareness and the wider availability of medications provided by online pharma giants such as PharmEasy, buying medications and other diabetes-related kits and essentials have become easy, fun and less time-consuming. 

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.

Learn To Manage Diabetes Like A Pro During This Pandemic!

14 November is World Diabetes Day! This day is all about spreading awareness regarding the dangers of diabetes and informing people how they can keep diabetes under control. This year, the urgency is more intense. Why? Because a pandemic is raging and it has a link to diabetes. Now, more than ever before, people with diabetes must keep their blood sugar level in check. But, since COVID has interrupted our regular lifestyle, it might be a little difficult. Read on to find out how you can ace the diabetes management challenge! 

Why is managing diabetes more difficult now?

Ever since COVID-19 struck, our lives have turned upside down. It has affected everyone in multiple ways. Many people are working from home. With the whole family at home, challenges arise. On top of that, with so many people losing their jobs, financial difficulties have also arisen. Managing diabetes can be difficult because:

• With extra work, you simply may not have the time to prepare diabetes-friendly meals.
• Staying at home most of the time is stressful and you might be too exhausted to put in the extra effort of managing diabetes.
• If your office is making you work overtime, you might not have time to exercise.
• Financial hardships may compel you to go easy on self-testing by purchasing fewer diabetes test strips.
• Stress and anxiety may be aggravating your condition.
• People with diabetes may feel inclined to binge on junk food to ease tension and anxiety.

The need to manage diabetes now is urgent!

The pandemic is definitely not the time when you can relax your diabetes management routine. Diabetes is a comorbidity of COVID-19. Many studies and surveys have found that people with diabetes are much more likely to develop life-threatening COVID infections. Diabetes weakens our immunity & thus the body is not able to fight off the coronavirus.

When diabetics contract COVID, it increases their risk of ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood) and hyperglycemia (which may trigger cardiac diseases and nerve damage).

How to manage diabetes during the pandemic

To manage diabetes during the pandemic, you have to be extra proactive:

• Usually, you are expected to test your blood sugar level at least once a day. During the pandemic, make sure you’re doing it twice.  
• Completely avoid sugary foods, trans fats, white rice/ bread/ pasta/ noodles, sweet yoghurt, dried fruits, sugary beverages. Even if you feel stressed, remember, these foods can kill you.
• Home exercises like spot jogging, jumping jacks, rope jumping, weight lifting and core exercise can keep sugar levels low. 20 minutes of exercise a day is a must.
• Try and get a flu shot and a pneumonia shot.
• If you have other health conditions that aggravate diabetes like heart or kidney disorders, don’t forget to take your medication on time.
• Don’t skip your appointment with your doctor because you fear contracting COVID.

For other challenges triggered by COVID:

• Talk to your family and stress the importance of distributing household chores evenly so that you have time to manage diabetes. Explain that it is a crucial matter.
• Manage to squeeze out 15-20 minutes from your routine for some exercise, no matter how tired you are. 
• Curtail expenses on things you really don’t need during the pandemic, such as new clothes, a new gadget and save that money to purchase test strips.
• Do breathing exercises for a few minutes throughout the day. It works wonders to manage stress.

Also, try our new EverHerb Diabetic essentials, for better immunity to fight against diabetes.

This World Diabetes Day, let’s pledge to do everything in your power to manage your diabetes or help someone you love who has this disorder! 

Also Read: Are Bananas Good for Diabetics? A Research-Based Analysis

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.

World Diabetes Day – Help Your Family Member Defeat Diabetes!

India is the diabetes capital of the world with over 70 million cases being reported every year. One of the main reasons  for this is the lack of awareness about diabetes in the country. World Diabetes Day is an event to make the public aware of the dangers of diabetes.

The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) has decided that the theme of World Diabetes Day this year will be ‘Family and Diabetes’. The focus is on how one’s family can support and help someone who has been diagnosed with Diabetes manage it better. 

We all know that diabetes is a complicated disorder. It requires time, patience and discipline to defeat the disease. And in such difficult times, isn’t family the best support system? 

Here are 7 ways you can help a loved one manage diabetes better.

 1. Educate Yourself

What is the first step in fighting diabetes? Learning everything about it. It is important to know answers to questions like – What type of diabetes is it? How does it affect a person? What complications can arise? What to eat? What exercises are safe for a diabetic? 

Many myths are surrounding this disorder that you have to brush away. If you are well informed about diabetes, you will be able to guide your loved ones correctly on their path to recovery.

 2. Keep a tab on their blood sugar level

Is your loved one monitoring his blood sugar level? Diabetes patients have to constantly monitor their blood sugar level. You can help them pick a blood sugar test package so that they are aware of their current blood sugar level.

 3. Remind them to take their medicines

People with diabetes may need insulin shots every day. Or they may have to take pills or capsules. Since diabetes treatment is long-term, your family member might forget to take the medicines now and then. But even one missed dose can be dangerous. How can you prevent that? Simple, you can set alarms for them to remind them that it’s time for their medication.

 4. Help them with the injections

Some people feel uncomfortable pushing the needle into their own veins. It’s perfectly natural. In that case, you can learn how to do it and administer the insulin shots to them every day.

 5. Self-testing kits for your loved one

Want an instant blood sugar reading? A blood sugar testing kit can help! These easy to use portable kits are useful if getting a lab test is difficult.

Also Read: Are Bananas Good for Diabetics? A Research-Based Analysis

  6.  Urge them to eat healthily

Is your loved one fond of sweets? Diabetics should never eat sugary treats. But eliminating them completely from the diet can really upset a person. What can you do? You can use healthier sugar substitutes.

Read More: Diet Tips For Managing Diabetes

 7. You can exercise together

Who wants to exercise alone? It’s boring. So, you can accompany your loved ones during workouts and motivate them to give their best. Losing weight and vigorous physical activity can stabilize blood sugar levels. Read more about the health benefits of exercise.  

The support you give to your family members can help immensely in his fight against diabetes. Help them live an active and healthy life with your support.

Read More: 5 Effective Ways to Control Diabetes

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.