Diabetes Mellitus (DM), otherwise known as diabetes, is a spectrum of diseases characterized by prolonged and sustained periods of high sugar level in the blood (hyperglycaemia). The disease process of diabetes involves either the excess production or the insufficient utilization of glucose. The cells of a diabetic have impaired capability to regulate the amount of sugar in the body. Diabetes is a serious disease that leads to various complications, most of which lead to disability.
In the United States, diabetes is the leading cause of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), non-traumatic limb amputations and blindness. It is also highly associated with cardiovascular diseases (such as myocardial infarction and stroke) and hypertension. On a global scale, the incidence of diabetes has risen dramatically over the past two decades. From an estimated 30 million detected cases in 1985, the number of affected individuals steadily rose to a staggering 285 million last 2010. Millions of lives and billions of dollars valued in productivity have been lost to this disease, hence, appropriate control and preventive measures must be implemented to reduce the number of affected individuals.
The key to splitting up with diabetes and its complications lies in the adequate control of blood sugar level. Several studies have shown that early and appropriate control of hyperglycaemia leads to fewer development of complications. Extensive educational, psychological and medical assistance leads to better patient longevity and improved quality of life.
Saying no to sweet temptation
(1) Master the enemy – Diabetes is a disease that requires several years to develop before it can cause significant damage to the organs. Acquiring sufficient knowledge about the disease can define the line between a healthy individual and a suffering diabetic.
(2) Move it, move it – Exercise accomplishes several things for a diabetic patient and it is a mainstay in the management of the disease. Regular physical activity paves the way towards better blood pressure and cholesterol control. It also burns calories and helps you lose or maintain weight. Exercise strengthens the heart, muscles and bones and keeps stress at bay due to the surge of endorphins after the activity.
(3)A grain of truth, an ounce of cure – Diabetics must follow a properly planned meal plan to appropriately control the blood sugar. Fatty, greasy and high-calories meals must be wiped off the list to make way for whole grain and high fibre food. Whole grains and fibres found in nuts, rolled oats and brown rice are made up of complex carbohydrate molecules which the body could not process, hence, no glucose is generated in the digestion of food. Simple sugars such as glucose are not produced, hence, routing diabetes.
(4) The weighing scale on a lighter note – Losing excess weight is a must for diabetic patients. Decreasing the percentage of body fat helps a lot in reducing the incidence of co-morbities and cardiovascular complications (such as cardiac arrest and stroke) which are usually associated with diabetes.
(5) Seek the advice of a master – Seeking the consult of a licensed physician is very crucial, especially for patients who are starting to feel symptoms such as blurring of vision, loss of sensation in the limbs and having tea-coloured urine. Doctors can help in the medical management of the disease and early consult usually results in better prognosis and disease control.
(6) Watch out for extra sweetness – Monitoring the blood sugar levels and keeping an eye open for any untoward symptoms such as loss of consciousness, excessive thirst, nausea and vomiting are essential practices of a diabetic patient and caretakers.
(7) Be careful with medications – Take your medications on time, of the proper dosage and with proper guidance. Medical management of the disease has been shown to be crucial in reducing the morbidity of diabetes-associated complications. But be careful in taking drugs, toxicity may only hasten one’s admission to the hospital.
(8) Block the path – Predisposition to diabetes is genetic and people with parents and family members who have diabetes are in high danger to develop the disease. Advising younger generations towards healthy lifestyle and proper diet can significantly lower the number of individuals developing the disease over time
(9) Imbibe optimism – Diabetes is not the end of the world. It is very much controllable with appropriate measures and proper care. Stay positive and productive, and let the positive energy from happiness heal you from within. Confide to your family and friends and let them be the tools of healing. Seek out support groups and help other patients undergoing the same process as you are
(10) Vigilance is your calling – They say prevention is the best cure. If you already have a predisposition to develop diabetes, it wouldn’t hurt to live a healthy lifestyle to prevent the development of the disease. Promote exercise and balanced diet to other people and touch the lives of others to rid the world of the sweet temptation of diabetes.
Author Bio:
Annie Bonneville is a Passionate blogger. She works on behalf of ni card. She has been writing contents on the web professionally since 2006. As an avid reader and blogger she shares her experience through articles on Travel, Education, Technology, Parenting and many more.
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