Diabetes is a prevalent global disease that has been growing fast and steadily. In 1980, it was estimated that 108 million of the global population had diabetes. In 2014, the figure reached 422 million. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that by 2045, 700 million adults worldwide will be diabetic.
Currently, 11% of the American population has diabetes. There are 1.5 million new diabetes cases in the United States every year. Diabetes can significantly affect your life quality and increase health complications. So, how do you manage to stay healthy when you have diabetes?
Keep your cholesterol in check
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can be managed with appropriate lifestyle changes and medications. Unmanaged, the condition can become a death sentence. However, if you already have received a diagnosis, you are equipped with medical support and knowledge to keep your health under control. Diabetes affects your blood sugar levels, which can put you at risk of cardiovascular disease and other health issues. Therefore, monitoring your heart health is primordial as a diabetic patient. You can also track your cholesterol levels, as high cholesterol can be a consequence of high blood sugar levels.
It can affect your surgery success and recovery
Diabetes can also increase surgery risks, affecting wound healing, blood glucose, and electrolyte imbalance. If you know that you have surgery, you need to address risks as a diabetic patient. It’s essential to ask your surgeon who will manage your diabetes during the surgery, when to take insulin or oral medication, and what the procedure is if you have high or low blood sugar levels during the surgery. Your surgeon should prepare a plan of action to handle your condition. Failure to do so could endanger your health. According to medical malpractice attorneys, surgery complications arising from lack of diabetes management during the surgery are perceived as a case of medical negligence. So, you want to make sure your surgery team knows about your diabetic condition ahead.
Consider diabetes-friendly diet
You might want to adjust your diet to manage your glucose levels. Diabetes-friendly diets can be full of flavors despite some of the restrictions. Diabetic eaters should favor lean protein, high-fiber, low-fat dairy, and a healthy mix of fruit, vegetables, and vegetable-based fat. It’s important to keep your carb intake low, focusing on less processed carbs. The DASH plan is a popular high blood pressure and diabetes management diet, including food high in potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The popular Mediterranean diet effectively tackles glucose levels via its high fish and plan-based food contents.
Maintain an active lifestyle
Physical activity is beneficial for everyone, including individuals with diabetes. However, if your blood sugar is over 250, experts warn about the risk of exercising. According to studies, women with diabetes have a 40% lower risk of developing heart disease if they dedicate at least 4 hours a week to moderate exercises such as walking. However, if you want to introduce workouts to your lifestyle, make sure to time it when your blood sugar level is high. If you take insulin, test your sugar level before exercising to avoid hypoglycemia. Remember to test your blood sugar level after an intense workout too.
In conclusion, diabetes is a manageable condition if you are willing to adjust your lifestyle and monitor your health. It doesn’t have to become a life-changing health condition. With the right maintenance and lifestyle, people with diabetes can enjoy a fulfilling and normal life.
