Why do I need special care for Diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, has been called the silent killer because most people who have this condition don’t know they have it until it has reached an advanced stage. It is a chronic health condition in which the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it produces. This leads to elevated blood sugar levels and, if not properly managed, can lead to many other health problems over time that may reduce the quality of life significantly or even lead to death.

Blood sugar testing

– Checking your blood sugar regularly provides valuable information for diabetes management. It helps you keep an eye on how the medication affects blood sugar levels. 

– Pinpoint high or low blood sugar levels

– Use a journal to track your progress towards achieving your treatment goals.

– Learn about the role of diet and exercise in affecting blood sugar levels.

– It’s important to realize that other factors, such as illness or stress, can have an effect on your blood sugar levels.

When to test your blood sugar

The frequency of checking blood sugar levels usually depends on the type of diabetes one has and the treatment plan.

Medication management

Several drugs are usually prescribed for people with diabetes, for example, insulin and pills that reduce blood sugar, aspirin, and high blood pressure pills. Cholesterol-lowering medications and others are also recommended.

It’s imperative that you watch how your body reacts to each new medication or treatment because different medications can produce different effects depending on when and how you take them. Your medical prescriptions may include information on what the correct use of your medication is.

Treatments for prediabetes 

1. By eating healthy and exercising, people with prediabetes can reduce their risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes. 150 minutes of exercise each week and 7% of your body weight lost may keep you from getting type 2 diabetes.

2. Sometimes medicines such as metformin are used to treat prediabetes if your prediabetes is worsening or if you have cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, or polycystic ovary syndrome.

3. In other cases, medications to control cholesterol — statins, in particular — and high blood pressure medications are needed.

4. You might be prescribed low-dose aspirin therapy to prevent cardiovascular disease, but don’t rely on it, for it only works for those who make healthy lifestyle choices.

Treatment for gestational diabetes

To keep your baby healthy and minimize complications during delivery, your plan may include controlling your blood sugar levels, monitoring them, and, in some cases, using insulin or oral medications.

For that reason, doctors will keep track of your blood sugar levels while you’re in labor. If your blood sugar levels go up, your baby may produce more insulin, which may lead to low blood sugar right after birth.

Exercising

Regular exercise allows your body to use glucose without extra insulin. This helps combat insulin resistance and is what makes exercise helpful to people with diabetes. However, it is important to check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.