5 Tips for Diabetes Management

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 November 2020: With advances in diabetes treatments, it is now easier for patients suffering with the disease to have a fulfilling normal lifestyle. Dr. Vikram Hundia – Consultant Endocrinologist at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai continue, coming to terms with the diagnosis can be difficult one for many people, there is light at the end of the tunnel in managing the illness and leading a healthy life. 

Here are some tips that every patient suffering from diabetes should consider to control the illness and stop potential adverse effects of the disease.

1. Food - A key to many diabetes management plans is learning how to count carbohydrates. Carbohydrates often have the biggest impact on your blood sugar levels. Learn about carbohydrate counting and portion sizes, make every meal well balanced. Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages

 

2. Exercise – An active lifestyle is very important in the management of diabetes. However, you need to make sure you take extra cations when doing so.

Check your blood sugar level. Check your blood sugar level before, during and after exercise, especially if you take insulin or medications that lower blood sugar

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or other fluids while exercising because dehydration can affect blood sugar levels.

Be prepared. Always have a small snack or glucose tablets with you during exercise in case your blood sugar level drops too low.

 

3. Medication 

Store insulin properly. Insulin that is not properly stored or expired may not be useful. Insulin is especially sensitive to extremes of temperature.

Discuss issues with your doctor. If your medication for diabetes causes your blood sugar level to drop too low or raise them consistently too high, the dose or medication schedule may need to be adjusted.

 

Be careful with new medications. If you're considering an over-the-counter medication or your doctor prescribes a new drug to treat another condition, make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if the new medicines may affect your blood sugar levels.

4. Hormones 

Changes in hormone levels before and during menstruation can result in significant oscillations in blood sugar levels. Try to identify patterns and speak to your physicians if you experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

When you are stressed, the hormones your body produces in response to prolonged stress may cause a rise in your blood sugar level. Additionally, it may be harder to closely follow your usual diabetes management routine if you're under a lot of extra pressure. Identify the triggers, learn coping mechanism like relaxation techniques and don’t be afraid to ask for extra help when needed.

 

5. Illness 

When you are unwell, your body produces stress-related hormones that help your body cope with the illness, but they can also raise your blood sugar level. Changes in your appetite and normal activity also may complicate diabetes management. Make sure to check with your doctor if you are unwell or unable to eat normally. Your doctor may need to make temporary adjustments to your medication plans.

 

Tips brought to you by Dr. Vikram Hundia – Consultant Endocrinologist at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai