7 important steps for good diabetes care

7 important steps for good diabetes care

Diabetes affects almost every organ in your body, and effective diabetes treatment requires a dedicated team of healthcare providers. This includes your doctors, dietitians, counselors, ophthalmologists, dentists, etc. Each person with diabetes has different needs. Communicate with your medical team to better understand which treatment is right for you.

7 steps for good diabetes care

Step 1: Learn about diabetes

The more you learn about diabetes, the better you will be able to manage it. This will allow you to understand which line of treatment you need to follow based on the type you have been diagnosed with.

For example, type 1 diabetics must take insulin every day. Diet and daily physical activity can help control type 2. Most type 2 patients may also need to take diabetes medications or insulin.

Diabetes is a serious disease and unfortunately most people with diabetes don't even know they have it.

Identify the factors that put you or your loved ones at risk for diabetes.

People at risk include those who:

1. Are overweight

2. More than 45 years old

3. Have a close family member who suffers from diabetes

4. Had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)

5. Suffering from high blood pressure

6. Have a history of high cholesterol

7. Follow a sedentary lifestyle

If you know someone who has any of the risk factors for diabetes, encourage them to talk to their doctor about getting tested.

Step 2: Follow regular care

If you have diabetes, remember to contact your doctors regularly. Make sure you follow the treatment regimen. Ask your family, friends and colleagues to support you.

Remember:

1. Ask your diabetologist how often you need to see him for checkups.

2. Write down the date and time for your next appointment.

3. Write down any questions or problems you would like to discuss with your doctor at your next visit.

Step 3: Learn how to manage your diabetes

Diabetes affects many organs of the body. It's important to monitor the foods you eat, your physical activity, and the way you take care of yourself.

1. Follow a balanced diet plan

2. Examine your feet daily

3. Monitor your glucose levels

4. Quit smoking

5. Get regular physical activity

Step 4: Know your diabetes ABCs

A main goal of diabetes treatment is to control ABC, which is:

A = A1C (average blood sugar level)

B = blood pressure

C = cholesterol

Step 5: Monitor your ABCs

You can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications such as kidney problems, blindness, foot infections, etc. by monitoring your ABCs.

1. Take the A1C test

The A1C test allows a doctor to measure your blood sugar levels over the past three months. It will tell you how well you are taking care of your diabetes and it is recommended that you have it done twice a year. The A1C target for most diabetics is below 7.

2. Monitor your blood sugar levels

Get your blood sugar checked regularly to keep it in check. Keep a record of your results and show them to your doctor. Some glucose strips report blood glucose results as plasma glucose values ​​that are 10 to 15% higher than whole blood glucose values. Ask your doctor whether your meter or strip provides whole blood or plasma results.

a) The target glucose range using whole blood is 80 to 120 before meals and 100 to 140 at bedtime.

b) The target glucose range using plasma is 90 to 130 before meals and 110 to 150 at bedtime.

Check your own blood sugar

You may need to check your own blood sugar regularly to keep your diabetes under control. Here you will find out what your blood sugar is at the time of the test. Record your results and show them to your healthcare team. Some meters and test strips report blood glucose results as plasma glucose values, which are 10 to 15 percent higher than whole blood glucose values. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your meter and strips provide whole blood or plasma results.

· The target glucose range for most people using whole blood is 80 to 120 before meals and 100 to 140 at bedtime.

· The target glucose range for most people using plasma is 90 to 130 before meals and 110 to 150 at bedtime.

Monitor your blood pressure

High blood pressure makes your heart work harder. This can lead to strokes and other problems such as kidney disease. You may need to check your blood pressure at every doctor's visit

· The target blood pressure for most diabetics is below 130/80.

Control your cholesterol levels

Low Density Lipids (LDL) is the bad cholesterol that builds up in your blood vessels. This can cause blood vessels to narrow and harden, which can lead to a heart attack. Your doctor should check to have your LDL levels checked at least once a year.

· The target LDL cholesterol for most diabetics is below 100.

Step 6: Prevent long-term diabetes problems

People with diabetes need to control their blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol to avoid related problems like heart attack, kidney problems, nerve damage, foot infections, gum disease, etc.

· Eat a balanced diet as directed by your nutritionist.

· Increase physical activity

· Take your medication from time to time.

· Take good care of your feet. Check them regularly for injuries.

· Check your teeth regularly for dental problems.

Step 7: Get regular checkups to check for and treat long-term problems

Visit your doctor regularly for problems that diabetes can cause. Regular check-ups help prevent problems or detect them early so they can be treated and treated well.

Inspired by Dr. Jonathan Elias D’Souza, PhD A.M.