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.
The process of counseling is more of an educative session. It is meant to help the patients understand the condition better and how best they can live with. It should be done on a continuous basis since the disease tends to progress with time. It has been observed that patients that undergo regular consoling are likely to be more adherent to drugs and other forms of treatment that are prescribed.
Like many chronic illnesses, emotional health is an important part of treatment for this condition. Most cases of type 2 diabetes are made in adulthood and one of the biggest challenges that this brings with it is adjustment of the individual to the diagnosis. This is a possible trigger for stress and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients will benefit from the services of a mental health expert.
There is a need to emphasize on the importance of having the right diet booth for type 1 and 2 diabetics. This ensures that the blood sugar levels are maintained within a normal range. Persons with diabetes should avoid taking sweetened drinks and sugary snacks. These have a high glycemic index which means that they have a potential to drastically increase blood sugar levels. The ideal diet contains lots of fruits, fresh vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.
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.
Patients that consume alcohol (especially in high quantities and on a regular basis) should be counseled on the same. In general, alcoholic beverages should be markedly or completely avoided if possible. Alcohol intake results in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations are much more erratic in persons taking oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin. This is because the liver is overwhelmed by the metabolism of alcohol and cannot adequately break down these drugs.
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.
The process of counseling is more of an educative session. It is meant to help the patients understand the condition better and how best they can live with. It should be done on a continuous basis since the disease tends to progress with time. It has been observed that patients that undergo regular consoling are likely to be more adherent to drugs and other forms of treatment that are prescribed.
Like many chronic illnesses, emotional health is an important part of treatment for this condition. Most cases of type 2 diabetes are made in adulthood and one of the biggest challenges that this brings with it is adjustment of the individual to the diagnosis. This is a possible trigger for stress and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients will benefit from the services of a mental health expert.
There is a need to emphasize on the importance of having the right diet booth for type 1 and 2 diabetics. This ensures that the blood sugar levels are maintained within a normal range. Persons with diabetes should avoid taking sweetened drinks and sugary snacks. These have a high glycemic index which means that they have a potential to drastically increase blood sugar levels. The ideal diet contains lots of fruits, fresh vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.
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.
Patients that consume alcohol (especially in high quantities and on a regular basis) should be counseled on the same. In general, alcoholic beverages should be markedly or completely avoided if possible. Alcohol intake results in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations are much more erratic in persons taking oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin. This is because the liver is overwhelmed by the metabolism of alcohol and cannot adequately break down these drugs.
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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