Diabetes is, without a doubt, the commonest and most serious metabolic disorder that exists. The main underlying problem in this disorder is a deficiency in insulin hormone or its inability to produce required physiological changes in the body. Diabetes is known to result in acute or chronic complications particularly if not properly managed. Being a lifelong illness, patients need to be adequately counseled. We will look at the main areas of diabetes counseling.
Counseling is an opportunity to help patients understand their condition better. They learn of the signs and symptoms, the available treatments and the possible complications that are associated with the condition. The process should be continuous rather than a single session because it the disease is chronic and progresses with time. If done in the right manner, the process helps enhance adherence to prescribed medications.
The diagnosis of chronic illnesses is often associated with major psychological stress. Diabetes is no exception. Many patients find it difficult to adjust to new lifestyles after the diagnosis has been made. In some cases, patients have ended up with serious mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. For everyone diagnosed with the condition, talking to a mental health expert is beneficial.
The need for a proper should be emphasized among both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. A healthy diet will help maintain the sugar levels within normal ranges. Generally, patients should be advised to limit their intake of sugary snacks and sweetened drinks. These foods have been shown to cause sharp spikes in the levels of blood glucose among persons with diabetes. The diet should have lean protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Weight gain should be avoided at all costs. This is because excessive weight is a known risk factor for insulin resistance and worsening the condition. The patients need to be advised on the weight loss options that they have. Reducing caloric intake is one of the commonly used methods. 800 calories per day is the target. This strategy is effective for the short term and other options should be considered in the long term.
Engaging in regular physical exercise not only helps to lose weight but is also enhances glucose utilization by body tissues reducing its concentration in the blood. If one has never been involved in physical exercise before, they can start with simple routines such as brisk walking then increasing the intensity progressively. It is recommended that one engages in intense activity for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, for three to five days in a week.
Alcohol has a major effect on the levels of blood sugar. Taking alcoholic beverages generally increases the levels. One of the major components of alcohol is carbohydrate, a complex molecule that is usually broken down into glucose. There may be a compromise in the breakdown of insulin and other glucose lowering agents since the liver is often overwhelmed by alcohol metabolism. The general recommendation, therefore, is that alcohol intake should be limited or stopped completely.
Diabetes tends to preexist with other conditions particularly those that affect the cardiovascular system. For this reason, it is important that patients undergo regular medical check-ups (at least once annually). This will ensure that any other co-morbidities such as hypertension are screened for and treated. At the same time, it will be easier to identify the long term complications of chronic hyperglycemia.
Counseling is an opportunity to help patients understand their condition better. They learn of the signs and symptoms, the available treatments and the possible complications that are associated with the condition. The process should be continuous rather than a single session because it the disease is chronic and progresses with time. If done in the right manner, the process helps enhance adherence to prescribed medications.
The diagnosis of chronic illnesses is often associated with major psychological stress. Diabetes is no exception. Many patients find it difficult to adjust to new lifestyles after the diagnosis has been made. In some cases, patients have ended up with serious mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. For everyone diagnosed with the condition, talking to a mental health expert is beneficial.
The need for a proper should be emphasized among both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. A healthy diet will help maintain the sugar levels within normal ranges. Generally, patients should be advised to limit their intake of sugary snacks and sweetened drinks. These foods have been shown to cause sharp spikes in the levels of blood glucose among persons with diabetes. The diet should have lean protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Weight gain should be avoided at all costs. This is because excessive weight is a known risk factor for insulin resistance and worsening the condition. The patients need to be advised on the weight loss options that they have. Reducing caloric intake is one of the commonly used methods. 800 calories per day is the target. This strategy is effective for the short term and other options should be considered in the long term.
Engaging in regular physical exercise not only helps to lose weight but is also enhances glucose utilization by body tissues reducing its concentration in the blood. If one has never been involved in physical exercise before, they can start with simple routines such as brisk walking then increasing the intensity progressively. It is recommended that one engages in intense activity for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, for three to five days in a week.
Alcohol has a major effect on the levels of blood sugar. Taking alcoholic beverages generally increases the levels. One of the major components of alcohol is carbohydrate, a complex molecule that is usually broken down into glucose. There may be a compromise in the breakdown of insulin and other glucose lowering agents since the liver is often overwhelmed by alcohol metabolism. The general recommendation, therefore, is that alcohol intake should be limited or stopped completely.
Diabetes tends to preexist with other conditions particularly those that affect the cardiovascular system. For this reason, it is important that patients undergo regular medical check-ups (at least once annually). This will ensure that any other co-morbidities such as hypertension are screened for and treated. At the same time, it will be easier to identify the long term complications of chronic hyperglycemia.
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