Diabetes has no cure, so if you are diagnosed with the condition, you need to learn how to live with it. This involves making some lifestyle changes, especially those related to diet, to ensure balanced levels of blood glucose. With good control, complications associated with the condition, such as diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy can be avoided.
By REBECCA MUTHONI
Diabetes has no cure, so if you are diagnosed with the condition, you need to learn how to live with it.
This
involves making some lifestyle changes, especially those related to
diet, to ensure balanced levels of blood glucose. With good control,
complications associated with the condition, such as diabetic
retinopathy and nephropathy can be avoided. Other complications include
diabetic neuropathy and diabetic foot, which, according to Dr Nancy
Kunyiha, a diabetes specialist, are a leading cause of amputations in
the country. The risk of heart attack and stroke is also high when one
has diabetes.
WHAT TO DO
To minimise the risk of these health complications, a diabetic should observe the following:
Take
insulin and/or other blood sugar medicines as prescribed by the doctor.
Take medication at all times, even when you feel fine.
Honour
all appointments with your doctor, and take this opportunity to talk
about any changes you might have noticed with your health.These regular
check-ups are very important in managing diabetes, since they can help
identify any related complications.
Eat healthy: Your diet should be low in fat and salt. Also cut down on all types of sugar and saturated fats.
Divide
your plate into two equal parts. Half of the plate should be filled
with non-starchy vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, broccoli and
traditional vegetables.
Divide the
other half between proteins and starch (preferably whole grains such as
brown rice and whole bread). Starch should be about one normal tea cup.
Snacks should be healthy, for instance a medium-sized fruit.
Take
plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water is usually the best
choice. Avoid sweetened and carbonated drinks such as sodas.
Do not smoke, since tobacco increases the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
If
you are obese or overweight, make a commitment to shed off the excess
weight. Excess body weight interferes with the ability of the cells to
react to insulin, causing high blood sugar. Maintaining a healthy weight
helps to control the levels of your blood sugar, cholesterol, blood
pressure, and also reduces the risk of developing other health problems,
such as cardiovascular diseases.
Exercise regularly – for instance taking brisk walks, performing house chores, and dancing.
UNDER CONTROL
Take
care of your feet by keeping them clean, dry and moisturised, and check
for swellings, cuts, blisters, and sores on a daily basis. Diabetes can
reduce the supply of blood to the feet, causing peripheral neuropathy
(nerve damage). This can prevent healing of minor foot injuries and
wounds.
Have your eyes screened
regularly, since you are at great risk of developing diabetic
retinopathy, which causes loss of eyesight. For this reason, Dr Wendy
Njoya, an ophthalmologist, says that all diabetic patients must undergo a
dilated fundoscopy test immediately after diagnosis, and yearly
thereafter, even when there are no symptoms of eye problems. This test
assesses the eye nerve and retina.
Brush
your teeth not only regularly, but thoroughly too – this includes
flossing. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum infection. If
you notice swollen, red, or bleeding gums, see a dentist immediately.
Diabetes does not have to keep you from living the kind of life you desire. With good management, you can control the condition.