Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by deficiencies in insulin hormone or inability of the body to utilize it. Its hallmark feature is abnormally high levels of blood glucose levels that may lead to immediate or long term complications. Being a chronic condition, patients have to be on medication or have to modify their lives as soon as the diagnosis has been made. In these article, we look at the main issues that should be addressed in diabetes counseling.
Counseling is an opportunity to help patients understand their condition better. They learn of the signs and symptoms, the available treatments and the possible complications that are associated with the condition. The process should be continuous rather than a single session because it the disease is chronic and progresses with time. If done in the right manner, the process helps enhance adherence to prescribed medications.
The diagnosis of chronic illnesses is often associated with major psychological stress. Diabetes is no exception. Many patients find it difficult to adjust to new lifestyles after the diagnosis has been made. In some cases, patients have ended up with serious mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. For everyone diagnosed with the condition, talking to a mental health expert is beneficial.
There is a need to emphasize on the importance of having the right diet booth for type 1 and 2 diabetics. This ensures that the blood sugar levels are maintained within a normal range. Persons with diabetes should avoid taking sweetened drinks and sugary snacks. These have a high glycemic index which means that they have a potential to drastically increase blood sugar levels. The ideal diet contains lots of fruits, fresh vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.
Excessive weight among diabetics is a risk factor for insulin resistance. Losing weight, in contrast, helps reduce blood sugar levels. Patients should be advised to keep their daily caloric intake at less than 800 per day. It is important to point out that this strategy is only effective in the short term and other measures have to be undertaken for long term weight control.
Physical exercise has a major role to play in the management of diabetes. Regular intense physical activity helps in weight loss as well as reducing the levels of blood glucose. The latter effect is achieved due to increased glucose demand by contacting tissues. One should strive to engage themselves in intense physical exercise routines for not less than 30 minutes for five days every week.
Patients that consume alcohol (especially in high quantities and on a regular basis) should be counseled on the same. In general, alcoholic beverages should be markedly or completely avoided if possible. Alcohol intake results in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations are much more erratic in persons taking oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin. This is because the liver is overwhelmed by the metabolism of alcohol and cannot adequately break down these drugs.
Diabetes tends to preexist with other conditions particularly those that affect the cardiovascular system. For this reason, it is important that patients undergo regular medical check-ups (at least once annually). This will ensure that any other co-morbidities such as hypertension are screened for and treated. At the same time, it will be easier to identify the long term complications of chronic hyperglycemia.
Counseling is an opportunity to help patients understand their condition better. They learn of the signs and symptoms, the available treatments and the possible complications that are associated with the condition. The process should be continuous rather than a single session because it the disease is chronic and progresses with time. If done in the right manner, the process helps enhance adherence to prescribed medications.
The diagnosis of chronic illnesses is often associated with major psychological stress. Diabetes is no exception. Many patients find it difficult to adjust to new lifestyles after the diagnosis has been made. In some cases, patients have ended up with serious mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. For everyone diagnosed with the condition, talking to a mental health expert is beneficial.
There is a need to emphasize on the importance of having the right diet booth for type 1 and 2 diabetics. This ensures that the blood sugar levels are maintained within a normal range. Persons with diabetes should avoid taking sweetened drinks and sugary snacks. These have a high glycemic index which means that they have a potential to drastically increase blood sugar levels. The ideal diet contains lots of fruits, fresh vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.
Excessive weight among diabetics is a risk factor for insulin resistance. Losing weight, in contrast, helps reduce blood sugar levels. Patients should be advised to keep their daily caloric intake at less than 800 per day. It is important to point out that this strategy is only effective in the short term and other measures have to be undertaken for long term weight control.
Physical exercise has a major role to play in the management of diabetes. Regular intense physical activity helps in weight loss as well as reducing the levels of blood glucose. The latter effect is achieved due to increased glucose demand by contacting tissues. One should strive to engage themselves in intense physical exercise routines for not less than 30 minutes for five days every week.
Patients that consume alcohol (especially in high quantities and on a regular basis) should be counseled on the same. In general, alcoholic beverages should be markedly or completely avoided if possible. Alcohol intake results in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations are much more erratic in persons taking oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin. This is because the liver is overwhelmed by the metabolism of alcohol and cannot adequately break down these drugs.
Diabetes tends to preexist with other conditions particularly those that affect the cardiovascular system. For this reason, it is important that patients undergo regular medical check-ups (at least once annually). This will ensure that any other co-morbidities such as hypertension are screened for and treated. At the same time, it will be easier to identify the long term complications of chronic hyperglycemia.
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