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 of patients with diabetes is an opportunity to educate them. They should be helped to learn as much as possible about their condition and the strategies which they can adopt to make their lives better. The process needs to be done regularly bearing in mind that this condition is lifelong and progress over time. Patients that are regularly counseled have been observed to be more adherent to prescribed treatments.
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.
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.
Counseling of patients with diabetes is an opportunity to educate them. They should be helped to learn as much as possible about their condition and the strategies which they can adopt to make their lives better. The process needs to be done regularly bearing in mind that this condition is lifelong and progress over time. Patients that are regularly counseled have been observed to be more adherent to prescribed treatments.
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.
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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