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.
Just as is the case with other chronic illnesses, the diagnosis of diabetes is associated with significant psychological stress. It is not easy to accept that one has to make significant lifestyle adjustments in a bid to live with the condition. Some patients may end up with mental disorders such as anxiety or depression. It is important, therefore, that all the newly diagnosed access the services of a mental health expert.
Persons with diabetes should understand the need for having a proper diet at all times. A healthy diet helps both type 1 and 2 diabetics maintain their levels of blood sugar within the normal range. The general advice is that sugary snacks and sweetened drinks should be avoided as much as possible. Such foods are described as having a high glycemic index. This means that they are likely to significantly raise the blood sugar levels. More fruits, whole grain vegetables and lean protein should be consumed.
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.
Physical exercise has a major role to play in the management of diabetes. Regular intense physical activity helps in weight loss as well as reducing the levels of blood glucose. The latter effect is achieved due to increased glucose demand by contacting tissues. One should strive to engage themselves in intense physical exercise routines for not less than 30 minutes for five days every week.
Alcohol has a major effect on the levels of blood sugar. Taking alcoholic beverages generally increases the levels. One of the major components of alcohol is carbohydrate, a complex molecule that is usually broken down into glucose. There may be a compromise in the breakdown of insulin and other glucose lowering agents since the liver is often overwhelmed by alcohol metabolism. The general recommendation, therefore, is that alcohol intake should be limited or stopped completely.
Patients need to understand that follow up clinics are an important part of treatment. The clinics give the doctor an opportunity to identify any complications early and to intervene before complications set in. Comprehensive medical checkups should be done at least once every year.
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.
Just as is the case with other chronic illnesses, the diagnosis of diabetes is associated with significant psychological stress. It is not easy to accept that one has to make significant lifestyle adjustments in a bid to live with the condition. Some patients may end up with mental disorders such as anxiety or depression. It is important, therefore, that all the newly diagnosed access the services of a mental health expert.
Persons with diabetes should understand the need for having a proper diet at all times. A healthy diet helps both type 1 and 2 diabetics maintain their levels of blood sugar within the normal range. The general advice is that sugary snacks and sweetened drinks should be avoided as much as possible. Such foods are described as having a high glycemic index. This means that they are likely to significantly raise the blood sugar levels. More fruits, whole grain vegetables and lean protein should be consumed.
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.
Physical exercise has a major role to play in the management of diabetes. Regular intense physical activity helps in weight loss as well as reducing the levels of blood glucose. The latter effect is achieved due to increased glucose demand by contacting tissues. One should strive to engage themselves in intense physical exercise routines for not less than 30 minutes for five days every week.
Alcohol has a major effect on the levels of blood sugar. Taking alcoholic beverages generally increases the levels. One of the major components of alcohol is carbohydrate, a complex molecule that is usually broken down into glucose. There may be a compromise in the breakdown of insulin and other glucose lowering agents since the liver is often overwhelmed by alcohol metabolism. The general recommendation, therefore, is that alcohol intake should be limited or stopped completely.
Patients need to understand that follow up clinics are an important part of treatment. The clinics give the doctor an opportunity to identify any complications early and to intervene before complications set in. Comprehensive medical checkups should be done at least once every year.
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