WAYS TO COPE WITH DIABETES

Often, most diabetic sufferers would rather take medicines than managing the sickness. In the case of Type 2 Diabetes, for example, they would rather take insulin shot in a frequent manner to help their blood glucose levels stay in their target range, even if it does not lower their blood glucose levels enough. For people with diabetes, such infection as well as underlying health condition, or even other forms of stress will further contribute to the rise of their blood glucose levels. This is because part of their body’s defense mechanism for fighting the illness and infection puts more glucose into the bloodstream and prevents insulin working properly. Therefore, knowing how to cope with the illness in the first place will help mitigate the greater risks of suffering from its complications.

1. CONTROLLING TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

One of the aims of diabetes management is achieving control of blood glucose, blood pressure and blood fat levels. Good control is very crucial in helping to avoid developing the long-term complications of diabetes. To help control blood glucose levels in the case of Type 1 Diabetes, it is necessary to take insulin which can be administered in different ways, including via a pen, syringe or pump. As for the Type 2 Diabetes, it is a progressive condition and over time, it may be that following a healthy eating plan and being physically active is not sufficient to help control the blood glucose levels. Because of this, if you are someone who has been suffering from Type 2 Diabetes and this situation happens to you; your healthcare expert may advise you to start taking diabetes medication, or even increase and/or alter your dosage if you are already on medication. Bottom line, some people with Type 2 Diabetes in many cases, will need to take insulin very frequently to help control their blood glucose levels.

The table below here is a guide to the blood pressure and blood fat targets which you may refer to, yet, you still need to seek advice from your healthcare expert regarding your individual target levels.

2. MEDICATION

From medical standpoint, blood glucose levels rise when a person is off their food or eating less than usual. Diet and lifestyle changes may not be enough to achieve those blood pressure and blood fat targets hence medication may be required. People with Type 1 Diabetes, for instance, they may need to test blood or urine for ketones if blood glucose levels are 15mmol/l or more. Likewise, they may need to continue taking insulin shot or diabetes medication and adjust the dose accordingly in response to their test results. They may need to take carbohydrate containing drinks such as milk and other milky drinks, fruit juice or sugary drinks such as ordinary cola or lemonade if they are being sick. Also, they may need to eat little and have plenty of sugar-free drinks in case if they have no appetite. Overall, managing diabetes can at times appear to be incredibly demanding and some people who find the kind of support and encouragement from their social circles can be really beneficial in helping them cope with the disease.