by I Dance With Diabetes | Aug 23, 2022 | Prevention
How type 2 diabetes affects men
With the end of Men’s Health Month, it is important to take a look at the more uncomfortable aspects of type 2 diabetes in men. How type2 diabetes affects man is a silent condition. Diabetes is a disease that has been increasing in prevalence over the past few decades and affects both men and women. However, there are some key differences between how diabetes affects men and women. These differences might not be readily apparent without taking a closer look at how diabetes can affect different genders differently
Men are often reluctant to discuss health issues such as diabetes, depression, or sexual problems because they are not comfortable discussing the topic with their peers. This leads to a more difficult time addressing the issue and makes it more likely that the issue will become chronic. This, in turn, has resulted in shorter and less healthy lives for men in the United States as compared to women.
Men are often reluctant to visit a doctor because they are afraid of having a problem that they are scared to learn about. They will often avoid getting checked out by physicians if they have any hesitation about what could be lurking inside them. It is not a sign of weakness if you have an issue with your health and would like to get it checked out. If a man is experiencing emotional health, sexual health, or any other kind of health-related problems that are related to type 2 diabetes, it is a wise decision to see a doctor.
IMPORTANT BUT DIFFICULT TO DISCUSS
Sexual health is an important topic that can be difficult to discuss, but it’s important for everyone involved to be aware of the issues and have remedies available. There are many common sexual health issues that people will come across in their lifetime, but they can often be treated with a few lifestyle changes or some over-the-counter medications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a statement that a man’s inability to maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse could be a sign of erectile dysfunction (ED). It is said that as many as 30 million Americans have the condition, and it is one of the most common conditions in middle-aged and older men.
Men who have diabetes are three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you should take steps to protect yourself from developing ED. It is possible that someone with Type 2 diabetes could have this problem, and it is something you need to keep in mind.
Erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, and heart disease are among the conditions that can be linked to erection failure. Erectile Dysfunction results when the corpus cavernous tissue of the penis does not fill properly with blood. This type of dysfunction is usually caused by a physical or emotional problem. High blood pressure and heart disease are two of the many conditions that can lead to Erectile Dysfunction.
The early onset of erectile dysfunction among men who have diabetes may be related to the progression of the disease. According to a recent study published in the European Urology medical journal, it has been observed that men suffering from erectile dysfunction might have a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Damage from high blood sugar or high blood pressure can lead to erectile dysfunction which is often caused by damage to the arteries, nerves, or both. The symptoms of low testosterone are similar to other conditions, which leads to its being underdiagnosed. Warning signs include low libido, low energy, and mood changes. This condition can be treated with hormone replacement therapy or with testosterone supplements.
A study conducted by the American Diabetes Association has shown that a man with type 2 diabetes is two times as possible to be impaired by lower testosterone levels than a man without diabetes.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Here are some common symptoms of low testosterone :
- lower interest in sex
- erectile dysfunction
- decreased lean body mass
- sad mood
- loss of energy.
High blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and allergy medications have been shown to have a strong correlation with erectile dysfunction. It’s important to discuss these risks with your doctor if you are taking any of these medications or over-the-counter drugs for high blood pressure, depression, or allergies.
If you’re concerned about side effects, your best bet is to continue taking your medication and consult a doctor to find the appropriate dosage together. But, if you are still worried about the side effects of your medication, there are other medications that might be more suitable for you. Traditional health practices play a crucial role in sexual health. You may be more anxious and frustrated if you worry too much about a problem.
Every single person will experience some type of sexual health issue at some point in their lives. It is an unfortunate truth that every person will be faced with the possibility of experiencing a sexual health problem at some point in their life. Luckily, there are many resources available to those who are suffering from any type of sexual health issue.
Sexual health can also be impacted by people struggling with stress, anxiety, and addiction. One of the best ways to support and maintain your sexual health is to take care of your emotional health. Whether you have been diagnosed with depression, an eating disorder, or a substance use disorder, there are many people who are in the same boat as you. Seeking treatment from a qualified therapist can help lessen your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
The key to making a lasting and meaningful impact on emotional, physical, and sexual health is to keep making healthy lifestyle choices. It might also be helpful to know that there are multiple apps that can be used as a resource for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle is integral to living a long and happy life. Our bodies need a lot of care and attention to stay healthy, so following some basic guidelines can make all the difference. Ample hydration, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and following a healthy diet are the keys to wellbeing.
Achieving a healthy lifestyle is easier said than done but setting and following through on these daily goals to get enough quality sleep, staying hydrated, exercising 150 minutes a week, and eating a well-rounded diet that helps you maintain blood sugar levels and a healthy weight will eliminate most health issues. There are a variety of treatments available for erectile dysfunction. Men should consult their doctors to find out which treatments are best for them.
The treatment for erectile dysfunction is the oral medication Sildenafil (Viagra), Cialis, and Avana Fil, which work by improving the effects of nitrates in the body. These medications have been successfully used to remedy ED since they were first introduced to the market. If you suffer from a low testosterone level, there are many available treatments that can help to quickly and effectively increase your testosterone levels to a normal range. These include gels, patches, or injections that are powerful and more effective at increasing your testosterone production than other treatment options.
ASK FOR HELP
It is important to talk with your doctor if you are experiencing any sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction can be a sign of another medical condition that may require more extensive tests and examinations.
Diabetes-related sexual problems are caused by damage to blood vessels which is known to affect other major organs in the body. Conditions such as heart disease, eye problems, kidney disease, and peripheral nerve damage are also known to be diabetes-related.
Sharing your concerns with your health care provider can help them find a solution to the sexual problems you have been experiencing. This will also help you feel more comfortable and confident in your ability to talk to your doctor about this sensitive topic.
There are a variety of different ways in which you can increase your health and improve your well-being. One of the most common is by joining the Dancing with Diabetes Facebook group where you will find other members who have diabetes and who, like yourself, are looking to get more active. There are daily posts that include new articles, reminders to exercise, and motivational quotes. It’s easy to see how this can be a good resource for those. How type 2 diabetes affects men is a question you have to ask yourself.
You can share your stories and ask important questions if you want to get advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. All of these topics can be found on the website’s blog, which is updated weekly with new content.
Read more: Mclaren
by I Dance With Diabetes | Aug 23, 2022 | Prevention
Fasting with Diabetes
Do you fast? I’m Catholic and the idea of fasting brings to mind Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Now it’s not my intention to get religious or into theology in this article, but the two fasting days are always a challenge. All I can think of is, that I want to eat something. So in my search for things to know and learn about prediabetes, one of the points that I have come across is fasting to help with diabetes. All I can think of is I’m hungry.
Fasting plans
As I said before fasting on the two days I’m supposed to fast is a challenge. The rule I have always followed is one meal, and not a fill your plate full of stuff. Actually looking at the normals for Catholic fasting allows for one regular size meal and two lite meals. That really doesn’t sound like much of a fast to me. Anyhow, when I look at my typical eating pattern on a normal day I come close to the fasting I’ve always done on Holy Days.
I skip breakfast, I’m a get out of bed and start working kind of person. On days when I’m home, normally the weekend, half the time I skip lunch. So the only meal I eat is dinner. So how close do I come to the proper fasting plans? Well, here’s a list of fasting plans:
- 16:8 Fasting – One of the most popular diets is the 16:8 diet. It makes the transition simple for anyone who is new to fasting. Your food choices do not have to be restricted during your eating window. A lower-carb diet with healthy food options can increase your results.
- 5:2 Fasting – Eat normally for five days during the week. Then on two of the days eat only a total of between 500 – 600 calories maximum. On the limited days, you can eat several small meals (2 – 3 meals). Fasting days don’t need to be consecutive.
- Eat Stop Eat Fasting Diet – For two days during the week fast for 24 hours, and eat as you would normally eat the other five days. On the non-fasting days be sure to eat nutritious foods. Here’s an interesting twist to fasting, you can eat each day. For example, eat something at 7 a.m. on Friday, an hour later, start your fast at 8:00 am, then 24 hours later have something to eat after the 24 hours fasting. Sort of a signing windrow.
- 4:3 Fasting – Basically you eat every other day, or fast every other day. I think that’s the same thing, isn’t it? On fasting days eat a maximum of 500 calories.
- Warrior diet -On this fasting plan you eat once a day. You’ll define a 20-hour time of fasting and have a 4-hour window that you can eat. Say between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm. When you’re fasting, you are allowed to have small amounts of raw produce; berries, leafy greens, and drinks with zero calories. Something like green tea. A poached egg would be OK also. When you do eat a meal it should be healthful, organic, and highly nutritious food.
- One Meal a Day – This plan has you fasting for 23 hours and when a one-hour window to eat. It is best to eat well before bedtime and not overdo it when you do eat.
- Spontaneous Meal Skipping – This is pretty simple, eat when you’re hungry. When you do eat, eat a normal meal.
- Bulletproof Intermittent Fasting – Based on the Bulletproof coffee plan. You fast for 18 hours. You define a 6-hour window to eat. When you do eat the plan recommends a variety of quality fats to eat. This is based on keto dieting concepts.
In looking at the above fasting plans, the one that appeals the most to me, though I come close to all of them in one way or another, is the 16:8 Fasting plan. I can follow the same daily routine. I don’t have to worry about what day it is. I don’t like the plans that say to eat just 500 – 600 calories a day. That fasting would be too much like one of the Holy Days. The Spontaneous plan would be a problem since I can be hungry most of the time. It’s probably more in my head, but for now, I’ll say it’s my stomach that wants to be fed most of the time.
The Warrior plan is a second-place choice. It only has a four-hour window to eat and I like the eight-hour window on the 16:8 plan. A little more time to eat. Let’s take a closer look at the 16:8 Fasting plan.
My choice plan for Fasting
With the 16:8 fasting plan, you need to choose an eight-hour window to eat. For me, that window would be 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm. I could grab something at 2:00 pm and have a regular dinner at 6:00 pm, and still have time to get in a later evening snack before the 10:00 pm newscast. Of course, it doesn’t mean, that during the eight-hour window you pig out and eat like it’s your last day to live. You do need to follow a healthy diet. Processed foods are not on the menu. You need to stick with the typical nutrient foods; fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, and meats for protein.
If you’re fasting, you don’t have to give up all your favorite drinks. Water, tea, and coffee are all still fair game, and they can actually help control your appetite and keep you hydrated. So go ahead and enjoy them without guilt—just be sure to stick to the no-calorie versions.
And in conclusion
Yep, I’m going to try the 16:8 fasting plan. I think the hardest part will be moving lunch to after 2:00 pm. The office has a free lite lunch so I’ll have to grab something before it closes and let it sit on my desk until 2:00 pm. My other challenge will be to stay away from the donuts and pastries that get left in the break room. I always felt it was my job to clean those items up. Obviously, if they are leftover from some meeting everyone, must have had their fill and can’t eat anymore. I’m just being sure that we’re not wasting food correct? Makes sense to me. Fasting with diabetes is my lifestyle.
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Read more: Bulletproof
by I Dance With Diabetes | Aug 23, 2022 | Lifestyle
Diabetic weight management
In our last article, we reviewed lifestyle and food types. Lifestyle is the manner in which you live. It encompasses everything in these two articles. It’s your willingness to make changes. If you can’t work at making changes, then you can forget about reversing type 2 diabetes. You’re going to have to eat differently, most likely lose weight, and work at the gym.
Today we will look at weight management. Even if you don’t have a form of diabetes, these are good practices for a healthy life. We have gotten so used to eating foods that don’t help us stay healthy. We are such an on-the-go society, we don’t take time to eat or get the exercise we need. How many times do you see someone driving and trying to wolf down something? I’m willing to bet it’s something from a fast food place.
Let’s take the pledge, raise your right hand, come on, get those hands up, and repeat after me, “I will work to find and eat food that is heart healthy and find a workout routine that will help lower your blood sugar levels. Make the commitment to being healthy. Begin to reverse your prediabetes and/or type 2 diabetes. Let’s get started!
Weight management goals
We talked about foods to look for in the last article, now let’s look at combining them into some meal planning. There are many diets out in the world today. The challenge is to look for a diet that was the correct balance of nutrients in it to provide you with the correct amounts of carbs, fats, protein, fiber, and calories. The recommended amounts for people with diabetes are:
- 60g of carbs per meal
- divide your weight by 2.777 and you will get the approximate amount of grams of protein to eat per day. Protein doesn’t play a major role in managing diabetes.
- ADA recommends at least 14 g / of fiber a / 1000 calories / day.
- 20 to 35% of your daily calories per should come from fat per day
With these numbers in mind, what are some good diabetic diets you should follow?
DASH diet
This is a new one to me. the diet DASH. It’s not just for diabetes. It addresses several other health areas. DASH discourages the consumption of foods that are high in saturated fat, including dairy products and tropical oils, as well as sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets.
This is because these products can contribute to a variety of health problems, such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. By avoiding these foods, you can help to improve your overall health and wellness. It’s a rule that followers will eventually lower to about 1,500 milligrams of salt from a high of 2300 milligrams of salt if they follow DASH. It is possible to keep a balanced DASH diet for a long time.
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet isn’t really a specific diet. All the countries on the Mediterranean Sea have their own culinary specifics. There are similarities in the way they eat, which are diets low in the amount of red meat, sugar, and saturated fat. They also eat lots of fruits and veggies, nuts, grains, and green leafy foods.
In order to maintain a healthy weight, you need to figure out how many calories you should be eating every day. This will vary depending on your activity level, but it’s important to make sure that you’re getting enough nutrients and staying active. There are a lot of ways to do this, and it’s not always about following a specific diet. Sometimes, making small changes in your lifestyle can make a big difference.
The Mediterranean diet pyramid will help you start your journey to a healthier lifestyle. In addition to the foods at the base of the pyramid, which is encouraged to be eaten daily, poultry, eggs, cheese, and yogurt are also encouraged to be consumed in moderation. Sweets and red meat should be eaten only a couple of times a week. By following this diet, you can improve your overall health and well-being.
Don’t forget to stay physically active and you’re set. If your doctor tells you that two glasses a day for women and one for men is okay, that’s fine. Resveratrol, a compound that has been shown to potentially extend life, is found in red wine. However, in order to see any significant effects, you would need to drink hundreds or even thousands of glasses of red wine. While this may sound like fun for some, it’s probably not the best idea from a health perspective.
Vegan diet
Of course, in this day and age, we have to mention something about Vegan diets. Research does point to many benefits of a vegan or plant-based diet. I don’t mind eating vegan once in a while, but I do like my meat, so vegan is something I would do occasionally. I did have a great vegan dinner in Sucre, Bolivia once, but that’s for another time.
First, let’s define what we mean by vegan. Vegans differ from vegetarians, vegans don’t eat anything that has animal products. They won’t eat anything dairy or eggs. You have a lot of freedom when it comes to veganism. You can tailor your diet to fit your needs and preferences. There are no hard and fast rules about what you can and cannot eat. You can experiment with different foods and find what works best for you.
A healthy diet contains a variety of food groups and nutrients. For example, you’ll want to aim for six grams of grains, five grams of nuts, and four grams of plant-based milk, as well as two to four cups of fruit, and two to three grams of healthy fat. This combination provides your body with the energy it needs to function properly and maintain good health. This would include but is not limited to, sesame oil, avocado, and coconut according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics guide.
The next step
There are many other diets we could propose. Over time we will review other diets. For now, these diets are amount some of the best known, and more easily accepted diets around. A quick study of these three diets will give you the main points to keep in mind when you start to diet. Do what makes sense in starting a diet. Unless you are in an extreme diabetic condition, and your doctors say you must do this and this, feel free to try different diet combinations of food, and if necessary monitor your blood sugar levels to see how you are reacting to the food you have tried.
Please join our Facebook group and check out our other blog articles. Good luck, and get going!
Read more: USNews
by I Dance With Diabetes | Aug 23, 2022 | Glucose
Glucose: Part 2
There are lots of questions about glucose. How do I test for glucose? What should I eat to have lower glucose? What are gestational diabetes glucose levels? Best time to measure glucose levels? And many more questions are being asked. In this article, we’ll address the questions about ways to monitor your glucose levels. If you have other questions, leave us your question(s) and we’ll research them for you.
How do I test for glucose?
There are many methods to test for blood glucose. The gold standard for measuring it is doing a finger prick to draw out a drop of blood. You then place some of the blood on a test strip. The test strip is then connected to a glucose monitor device and the device displays you’re blood sugar reading.
The history of testing blood sugar is an interesting study of ingenious problem-solving. Records showed that the Egyptians recognize people when suffering from diabetes as early as 1500 BC. They notice that ants were attracted to the urine of people displaying diabetic symptoms. The sugar (glucose) was sensed by the ants.
It wasn’t until the middle ages that doctors began to diagnose diabetes. The method to measure if someone had diabetes was to taste the person’s urine. I have heard that other cultures have done similar things to diagnose illness, but tasting urine, for me at least, would be a show stopper.
We have a diagnosis
Karl Tommer is recognized as the first doctor to clinically examine patients for diabetes in the early 1840s. By using the process of acid hydrolysis to break up disaccharides into monosaccharides. Then adding further chemicals, it would react in a way indicating sugar was present in the urine.
In the early 1850s, Hermann von Fehling was able to expand on the work of Trommer. This early technology was a key step in further defining the level of sugar in the urine. Later in the 19th century, Frederick Pavy created tablets that would detect high levels of sugar in the urine, Further work by Stanley Benedict refined Fehling’s testing process. In 1913 Ivar developed a method of testing blood for glucose.
During World War II, urine test strips were produced that would measure the amount of sugar in the urine. The results would be displayed in a shade of color. By comparing the color to a chart one would have the amount of glucose in the urine. The availability of these test strips was a major breakthrough in the medical field, as they allowed doctors to quickly and easily test for diabetes.
Enter technology
This simple and effective testing method became widely used, helping to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this serious condition. With the modern advances in technology, test strips were introduced in 1964 that could check the blood for sugar. This was a major breakthrough as it allowed people to monitor their own blood sugar levels. The first glucometer was created in 1970. People could now test their blood for elevated glucose levels. Then, in the mid-1970s, another test for diabetes was developed and it tested for hemoglobin A1c.
Today, the glucose meter is a simple way for people easily monitor their glucose (blood sugar) levels. Yet, using a glucose meter still requires you to prick a finger or some other area of your body. However, technology isn’t standing still. The advancement of glucose testing has now progressed to a sensor that can measure blood sugar through the skin, without having to take a drop of blood. This is significant progress as it is less invasive and more comfortable for patients. In addition, this new method is more accurate and provides real-time results. This device is known as a CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor).
Can Star Trek be far behind?
In recent years CGMs have become a go-to solution for monitoring glucose levels. As the name implies, the monitor continuously checks for glucose levels, in reality, it checks every five minutes. A CGM device is attached to the underside of your arm or abdomen. It has a very small needle that will connect with the interstitial fluid and allow the device to sense your glucose levels. The information gathered is then sent to a wireless device, Andriod or Apple phones.
Other devices are being developed the test glucose levels in sweat, salvia, and tears. Current technology is being developed to check glucose levels in a person’s breath. Can the days of a Star Trek tricorder be far behind?
The advantage of CGM is the ease of use. First, you minimize or remove the need for finger pricking. Once the device is attached and set up you are freer to joy life. Depending on the manufactures design of the CGM, you can wear the device for 7 to 90 days. A patch covers the area of the device and allows you to shower and be active.
CGMs will give you a more accurate description of your glucose levels. The data can show you how you react to eating. Understanding how you react to food can help you eat properly. You can set alarms to let you know if your glucose levels are too high or too low. This knowledge will let you react quickly to changing needs. Thereby keeping you safer.
One caution to keep in mind is the CGM device is not a quick fix. It will take some time to learn about it and how to live with it. You have to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Just like anything to do with diabetes, there is an effort you will have to put forward. The decision to with you.
Where is the future?
Diabetes has most likely been with us since humans first started walking upright. As we saw earlier the Egyptians are credited with recognizing ailing patients with diabetes. As time moved on we learned more about diabetes to the point we could begin to give a name to the diagnosis. Science and technology are giving us new and better ways to deal with diabetes. Yet the one area we are not very willing to change is what we eat.
We continue to produce food products that push our body’s limits to handle sugar. We need to address our eating situation if we truly want to get a handle on diabetes and live a healthier lifestyle. Glucose: Part 2 is the second of two articles on Glucose. We will continue to explore glucose impact on the body and report our findings to you.
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Read more: Health Beat, Frontiers,
by I Dance With Diabetes | Aug 23, 2022 | Signs & Symptoms
Earlier you recognize these warning symptoms, the earlier you will be able get in control
Many people have type 2 diabetes for years before their early symptoms can be spotted and many don’t even realize they are at risk. The earlier type 2 diabetes is detected, the better chance a person has to manage the disease.
More than 4.9 million people in the UK have diabetes and it is estimated that there are thousands of cases that are not yet diagnosed. The NHS has now made it much easier to do a self-test with your doctor to find out if you have diabetes or another type of condition that means you need medication, such as high blood pressure, kidney problems, or heart disease.
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1 and accounts for around 90% of all adult cases in the UK, while only 8%, according to Diabetes UK, have type 1. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a resistance to insulin and affects the way that the body processes glucose.
More than 6 million people are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and more than 750,000 people are currently living with the condition but are not aware of it.
Research has shown that one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes is by making some lifestyle changes. These changes may include diets, exercise, and weight loss to help reduce your risk by as much as 50%.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS KEY
Health professionals emphasize early diagnosis is key as the early stages of this disease often span five or maybe six years before symptoms become noticeable. This is why it’s so important to be aware of the indicators to detect type 2 diabetes as soon as possible and take the necessary steps to prevent any complications.
Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition that is typically caused when insulin isn’t produced in balance with the body’s needs and can often be linked to being overweight, being too sedentary, or having a family history of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can cause health complications like increased blood sugar levels, cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and blindness
It can cause the level of glucose in the blood to become too high and this can lead to a variety of serious health conditions, including heart disease or a stroke.
A variety of lifestyle adjustments and medical interventions are required for people with Diabetes to live a long and healthy life. In order to maintain balanced blood sugar levels, people who have diabetes should exercise, eat healthily, and have their blood tests checked regularly. The lifelong nature of diabetes also often requires people who have type 1 diabetes to take insulin injections on a regular basis.
As type 2 diabetes is a gradually developing condition, medicine, at some point in time, may be required and this will normally be in the form of tablets or injections.
If you are a person with this condition, you are more at risk of developing it. The earlier you recognize these warning symptoms, the earlier you will be able get in control. You should monitor the following points:
– people are over 40 or 25 for south Asian people.
– A close relative of a parent, brother. or another family member with diabetes who may be able to provide this information.
– if your weight is higher than the prescribed weight for your build and size.
– if you are or your family comes from any of these locations of Asian, African of the Caribbean, or black African origin
You can find out your risk for type 2 diabetes by answering a few questions from your health provider. You can get help with your Diabetes Prevention program if your risk score is dependent on it.
BE SMART AND GET CHECKED
Many people, even those who are not diabetic and do not know they currently have the condition, are unaware that they have been diagnosed with diabetes because it can exist with no symptoms which makes it difficult to spot.
However, it is important to keep in mind a few key symptoms that may indicate the condition. The main symptoms of ovulation, according to the NHS, include:
– going to the washroom more than usual, particularly at night
– feeling thirsty all through the day
– feeling very tiring.
– your weight is dropping and you’re not trying to lose weight
– itching around the penis or vagina or symptoms of thrush.
– healing time for wounds is longer than normal
– your vision begins to degrade
Type 1 diabetes, often referred to as “juvenile diabetes” can develop quickly over weeks and is typically diagnosed around the time of puberty.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed by means of either a blood or urine test.
If you have been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a diabetes nurse will be able to show you how to manage the condition in your day-to-day life, including learning how to test your blood glucose and inject insulin.
CHANGING LIFESTYLE IS KEY
Your doctor should discuss other lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption and smoking, in addition to your diet and exercise habits. They will also determine whether you might need to take medications.
Most people diagnosed with diabetes need to take medicine to control blood sugar levels and get close to normal. In those with type 1 diabetes, insulin must be taken every day for the same purpose.
Some types of diabetes medications can lead to a condition known as hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This happens when blood sugar levels drop below a certain level, when this happens, your doctor should ask you to check your blood sugar by taking regular tests with a glucose monitoring device.
If you have frequent or severe hypos where you usually take the blood test twice a day, you could be offered a continuous glucose monitor or flash monitor which would be worn on your skin and allow you to check your blood sugars at any time.
A healthy diet of around 2.5 hours of physical activity each week can help with blood sugar levels. Fruit, vegetables, and pasta are high in sugar, fat, and salt, so the National Health Service recommends not eating any of them.
There is mounting evidence that a low-calorie diet (800 to 1,200 calories a day) can be used as an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes. Some people have even gone into remission by following this low-calorie diet for around 12 weeks at a time. Remember, the earlier you recognize these warning symptoms, the earlier you will be able get in control.
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H/T: @NationalWorld
