Healthy Life Style
Physical Activity
It is important that diabetics remain physically active. Diabetics with no complications and contraindications should do more than 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Those above 40years of age or with complications should consult the doctor and decide on what physical activity is best and safe. There would be some activity possible for all.
No smoking
Smoking is possibly the most harmful thing a diabetic can do. It increases the vascular complications of diabetes in addition to the complications produced by smoking itself.
Moderation in Alcohol
Alcohol is rich in calories and also interferes with the liver regulation of glucose.
In countries where alcohol is permitted, it should be restricted to moderate amounts.
Stress Management
Stress is part of modern life and can seldom be avoided. One can develop better coping skill through relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, etc. Medicines may be required for depression.
Monitoring of diabetes control and complications.
It is important that diabetics should have regular monitoring to ensure optimum control.
Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose ( SMBG) by using a glucometer is easy and reliable.
Periodic Evaluation by treating physician should involve regular monitoring of blood pressure, HbA1c, Kidney functions-Urine for microalbumin/ protein, Lipid profile (blood fats), eye examination, examination of the legs for skin, blood vessel , nerve and joint involvement etc.
Studies have shown that complications of diabetes are related to HbA1c. It is a measure related to the average blood sugar of the past 3months. Normal HbA1c is 4-6%. For every 1% change, the overall complications of diabetes change by 21% (UKPDS). For example if the HbA1c is brought down to 7% from 8%, the chances of complications from diabetes decrease by 21%.
Medicines.
Medicines to lower blood sugar are several and will be chosen by the doctor depending on a number of factors like the type of diabetes, build, activity, co-existing diseases and complications. Do not assume that a drug that is working well for your friend, will work for you also. Let the doctor decide that. While there is no recognized treatment other than insulin for the uncommon type 1 diabetes, vast majority of type 2 diabetes can be controlled on oral medicines along with diet, exercise and life style changes.
The doctor may also prescribe other medicines for treating high blood pressure and cholesterol abnormalities, which often co-exist with diabetes, or medicines aimed at preventing kidney and other complications.
Type 2 diabetes has a very strong genetic component. The incidence is about 40% if one parent is diabetic and doubles if both are afflicted. Avoid consanguineous marriages in diabetic families and also between diabetics/ pre-diabetics
In a large study involving 84,941 people over a 16year period; it was found that 91% of the incidence diabetes was attributed to high risk factors including obesity, lack of exercise, improper diet and smoking.
A stunning revelation was recently made in one of the reputed journals of medicine that a pre-diabetic condition was present in 25% of the obese children. Some obese children even suffered from silent Type 2 diabetes. So the importance of a healthy life style to mitigate the future pandemic of diabetes has to be emphasized at all times. Back Next