Diabetes: why it matters
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when there is a high level of sugar in the blood. It can be caused by either too much sugar in the diet, or the body not producing enough insulin to properly metabolise the sugar. Over time, diabetes can lead to serious health complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness.
There are 537 million adults living with diabetes around the world. In India, there are 77 million people who have diabetes. So, let’s understand the dos and don’ts if you are a diabetic.
Meal Timings
DO understand the importance of meal timings
For a diabetic, food timing is as important as the food they eat. Eating food at the right time boosts immunity, regulates sleep, aids digestion, and controls weight. Research suggests eating at regular intervals helps to maintain the blood sugar level. This helps avoid complications arising from diabetes.
DON’T skip your meals
Skipping meals tends to alter the balance between food intake and the production of insulin. This can lead to a dip in blood glucose levels, leading to conditions like hypoglycemia. Skipping meals also result in gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. Thus, this should be avoided at all costs if you are a diabetic.
Lifestyle Habits
DO exercise regularly
Regular exercise improves blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. It promotes weight loss, which improves your overall well-being and keeps your blood glucose under control. It also reduces the chances of any cardiovascular complications as a result of uncontrolled sugar levels. Exercise boosts the body’s sensitivity to insulin, countering insulin resistance and other signs of diabetes.
DON’T smoke and drink
Smoking increases the chances of getting type 2 diabetes and its complications such as heart disease, eye disease, infections, stroke, and nerve damage. Alcohol can also interfere with your blood sugar levels.
Parameters in control
DO keep blood pressure under control
Hypertension can damage your blood vessels, and when you team that up with uncontrolled diabetes, it can result in a heart attack or stroke. Switch to a healthy, low-fat, low-sodium diet. It can help control both your sugar levels and blood pressure. Checking your blood sugar levels daily also helps.
DON’T miss regular check-ups
Schedule regular diabetes checkups a year to ensure that your blood sugar levels are in control. Also, schedule yearly master health checkups and eye examinations. This helps you put the brakes on diabetes and its complications and get your health back on track.
Pay Attention
DO care for your eyes, teeth, and feet
Diabetes may cause gum and foot infections as well as eye damage. Consult your dentist if your gums bleed or look red or swollen. Similarly, pay attention to your feet. High blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet. If you notice any cuts or sores, speak to your doctor to prevent serious infections.
DON’T lose sleep
Lack of sleep can increase insulin resistance, which can in turn make it harder to control the blood sugar levels in a diabetic. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep habits.
Meal choices
DO develop healthy eating habits
Get on a healthy-eating plan to control blood sugar, manage weight, and control heart disease and high blood pressure.
Choose healthy carbohydrates, fibre-rich foods, and “good” fats. Stick to whole grains, legumes, low-fat milk and cheese, vegetables, nuts, and fruits, as these are some of the best foods for diabetes control. Salmon and mackerel must also be included on a diabetic food chart as these are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which may prevent heart disease.
DON’T eat unhealthily
Avoid saturated fats such as those found in butter, beef, hot dogs, and palm oil; trans fats such as those found in processed snacks and baked goods; and foods with high sodium levels such as processed food.
Conclusion
Keeping your blood sugar levels under control can delay or prevent long-term, serious health problems, such as heart disease, kidney failure, and loss of vision. Diabetes is a lifelong condition. Although it cannot be cured, it can be managed with a positive attitude, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.
Managing diabetes occasionally requires medical intervention. With the right lifestyle choices and safe medications, you can manage diabetes with ease. For the best generic medicines at competitive prices, visit the Medkart website today!
FAQs
1. What foods and drinks should I avoid if I have diabetes?
Diabetics should avoid processed and fried foods and foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium. Also, avoid beverages with added sugars, such as soda, sweetened fruit juice, and sports, or energy drinks.
2. What are the signs of diabetes?
Frequent urination, increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision, tingling in the hands or feet, fatigue, and dry skin are some of the signs of diabetes.
3. Which breakfast is good for diabetics?
Eggs, Greek yoghurt, oatmeal, whole grain toast, cottage cheese, fruits, and nuts make for a good nutritious breakfast in a diabetic food chart.
4. What is the difference between diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition that occurs when the body does not regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetes insipidus occurs when the body cannot regulate fluids. The condition is caused by an imbalance of hormones and is not necessarily related to type 1 or 2 diabetes.
5. Is potato good for diabetes?
A diabetic can consume potatoes in moderation. Potatoes contain starch which takes a longer time to be broken down.
