Type 2 diabetes management with lifestyle changes

Diabetes isn’t a death sentence. It is a manageable health condition. You don’t have to feel hopeless about having this medical condition. All you need do is work with a health care team that understands diabetes management plan.
I have personally worked with my husband for 15 years and counting. We began with lifestyle modifications then progressed into other forms of care. I tell you that journey has been seamless and you too can do it.

Your care plan should include lifestyle changes, health goals, diet plan, exercise, routine medical check-ups and a good support system (family or Diabetes support group)
These can be achieved better through :

1. Constant check of your blood sugar levels: Three( 3) a week, the Normal range is between 3. 9- 7mmol/ (according to WHO). When high is called hyperglycemia and low is called hypoglycemia both can be risky if not properly managed.

2. Making healthy food choices: Your food choice plays a key role in your diabetes care plan. learning what’s best for you to eat, how much, and when is very important. Portions and Inclusion of vegetables in every meal helps break down excess calories. Food choice is king in diabetic management. If you are overweight and diabetic you will benefit more from a planned meal.

3. Exercise: Walking and other forms of daily exercise improve glucose levels in the elderly with diabetes. Here, with health goals, physical activity has great impact on metabolism and break down all excess blood sugar in the body. Join a diabetic support group to get you motivated on your daily exercise routine.

4. Medication: Your Doctor is in the best position to give the most suitable medication. Follow their prescription, go for routine checkups., report any side effects noticed, maintain the time of taking your medicines ( stick to same time), keep track of your medication schedule. This will give better drugs effectiveness.

Other important tips to note with Diabetic care includes:

• Get your blood pressure checked often.
• Manage your cholesterol. At least once a year, get it checked.
• Quit smoking.
• Have yearly eye exams.
• Examine your kidneys bi-annually.
• Care for your teeth and gums. Brush your teeth and floss daily. Visit the dentist twice a year.
• Keep your skin clean. Avoid minor cuts and bruises to prevent infections.
  Care for your feet.
• Don’t wear tight shoes.

If you think you need help with your management plan here is an opportunity to Join the RCEC Diabetes Support Group. 

As we continue with our series on Diabetes we will look at symptoms and some tests that can help us know if you are diabetic or not.

one very question you may ask yourself or may have experienced not knowing they are symptoms of diabetes include the following:
feeling tired regularly, increased hunger or thirst, unexplained lost of weight, frequent urination, blurred vision, skin infections or delayed wound healing if you have cut or bruises.
Having at least four or more of these symptoms requires further assessment with your doctor.

I have seen a lot of people with type 2 diabetes who may not realize they have it because symptoms often develop slowly and go unnoticed. Sometimes you will hear elderly people dismiss these symptoms as “ getting old,” but they can be signs of a serious
problem.

Let’s talk if you have any of these symptoms, please. Because having a good knowledge of a thing helps avert the consequences that may follow afterwards.

Tests for diabetes:
Proper investigation has proven to help identify conditions that require immediate treatment. Diabetes is one of such conditions.

Random blood sugar test:
is given at any time during the day and tells you the average level of glucose in the blood.

Fasting blood sugar test:
is taken after you have gone without food for at least eight hours.

Hb A1C test:
is given at any time during the day. This test shows your average glucose level for the past three months.

Other forms of test maybe required by your doctor. But note that at least twice testing must be done before any diagnosis is made.

In my next post, we will focus on type 2 diabetes management which is both lifestyle changes and medications. I will share life experiences of 15 years of success.

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