Diabetes is, without a doubt, the commonest and most serious metabolic disorder that exists. The main underlying problem in this disorder is a deficiency in insulin hormone or its inability to produce required physiological changes in the body. Diabetes is known to result in acute or chronic complications particularly if not properly managed. Being a lifelong illness, patients need to be adequately counseled. We will look at the main areas of diabetes counseling.
Counseling of patients with diabetes is an opportunity to educate them. They should be helped to learn as much as possible about their condition and the strategies which they can adopt to make their lives better. The process needs to be done regularly bearing in mind that this condition is lifelong and progress over time. Patients that are regularly counseled have been observed to be more adherent to prescribed treatments.
Like many chronic illnesses, emotional health is an important part of treatment for this condition. Most cases of type 2 diabetes are made in adulthood and one of the biggest challenges that this brings with it is adjustment of the individual to the diagnosis. This is a possible trigger for stress and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients will benefit from the services of a mental health expert.
Persons with diabetes should understand the need for having a proper diet at all times. A healthy diet helps both type 1 and 2 diabetics maintain their levels of blood sugar within the normal range. The general advice is that sugary snacks and sweetened drinks should be avoided as much as possible. Such foods are described as having a high glycemic index. This means that they are likely to significantly raise the blood sugar levels. More fruits, whole grain vegetables and lean protein should be consumed.
Weight gain should be avoided at all costs. This is because excessive weight is a known risk factor for insulin resistance and worsening the condition. The patients need to be advised on the weight loss options that they have. Reducing caloric intake is one of the commonly used methods. 800 calories per day is the target. This strategy is effective for the short term and other options should be considered in the long term.
Regular physical exercise has numerous benefits. One of the direct benefits is weight loss which is desired change among diabetics. The other benefit is that increased muscular contraction experienced during physical activity increases the tissue uptake of glucose and this reduces the blood levels. Physical exercise that is deemed to be beneficial is that which includes intense sessions of not less than 30 minutes for at least 5 days in a week.
Alcohol has a major effect on the levels of blood sugar. Taking alcoholic beverages generally increases the levels. One of the major components of alcohol is carbohydrate, a complex molecule that is usually broken down into glucose. There may be a compromise in the breakdown of insulin and other glucose lowering agents since the liver is often overwhelmed by alcohol metabolism. The general recommendation, therefore, is that alcohol intake should be limited or stopped completely.
Patients need to understand that follow up clinics are an important part of treatment. The clinics give the doctor an opportunity to identify any complications early and to intervene before complications set in. Comprehensive medical checkups should be done at least once every year.
Counseling of patients with diabetes is an opportunity to educate them. They should be helped to learn as much as possible about their condition and the strategies which they can adopt to make their lives better. The process needs to be done regularly bearing in mind that this condition is lifelong and progress over time. Patients that are regularly counseled have been observed to be more adherent to prescribed treatments.
Like many chronic illnesses, emotional health is an important part of treatment for this condition. Most cases of type 2 diabetes are made in adulthood and one of the biggest challenges that this brings with it is adjustment of the individual to the diagnosis. This is a possible trigger for stress and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients will benefit from the services of a mental health expert.
Persons with diabetes should understand the need for having a proper diet at all times. A healthy diet helps both type 1 and 2 diabetics maintain their levels of blood sugar within the normal range. The general advice is that sugary snacks and sweetened drinks should be avoided as much as possible. Such foods are described as having a high glycemic index. This means that they are likely to significantly raise the blood sugar levels. More fruits, whole grain vegetables and lean protein should be consumed.
Weight gain should be avoided at all costs. This is because excessive weight is a known risk factor for insulin resistance and worsening the condition. The patients need to be advised on the weight loss options that they have. Reducing caloric intake is one of the commonly used methods. 800 calories per day is the target. This strategy is effective for the short term and other options should be considered in the long term.
Regular physical exercise has numerous benefits. One of the direct benefits is weight loss which is desired change among diabetics. The other benefit is that increased muscular contraction experienced during physical activity increases the tissue uptake of glucose and this reduces the blood levels. Physical exercise that is deemed to be beneficial is that which includes intense sessions of not less than 30 minutes for at least 5 days in a week.
Alcohol has a major effect on the levels of blood sugar. Taking alcoholic beverages generally increases the levels. One of the major components of alcohol is carbohydrate, a complex molecule that is usually broken down into glucose. There may be a compromise in the breakdown of insulin and other glucose lowering agents since the liver is often overwhelmed by alcohol metabolism. The general recommendation, therefore, is that alcohol intake should be limited or stopped completely.
Patients need to understand that follow up clinics are an important part of treatment. The clinics give the doctor an opportunity to identify any complications early and to intervene before complications set in. Comprehensive medical checkups should be done at least once every year.
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