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.
The need for a proper should be emphasized among both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. A healthy diet will help maintain the sugar levels within normal ranges. Generally, patients should be advised to limit their intake of sugary snacks and sweetened drinks. These foods have been shown to cause sharp spikes in the levels of blood glucose among persons with diabetes. The diet should have lean protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Patients should understand that putting on excess weight is detrimental to the successful management of their condition. One of the effects of being overweight or obese is the fact that it increases the risk of insulin resistance. Losing weight, on the other, hand helps reduce the HBA1c which is the long term indicator of blood sugar levels. The caloric intake per day should not exceed 800.
Engaging in regular physical exercise not only helps to lose weight but is also enhances glucose utilization by body tissues reducing its concentration in the blood. If one has never been involved in physical exercise before, they can start with simple routines such as brisk walking then increasing the intensity progressively. It is recommended that one engages in intense activity for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, for three to five days in a week.
Alcohol has a major impact on the levels of blood glucose. Since carbohydrates are a major constituent of alcoholic beverages, their metabolism causes an increase in glucose levels. The situation is likely to be a bit complicated if one is on insulin or oral glucose lowering agents. This is because alcohol and the drugs are all metabolized by the liver. The alcohol overwhelms the liver in some cases making it difficult to break down the drugs. Such drinks should be avoided completely if possible.
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 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.
The need for a proper should be emphasized among both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. A healthy diet will help maintain the sugar levels within normal ranges. Generally, patients should be advised to limit their intake of sugary snacks and sweetened drinks. These foods have been shown to cause sharp spikes in the levels of blood glucose among persons with diabetes. The diet should have lean protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Patients should understand that putting on excess weight is detrimental to the successful management of their condition. One of the effects of being overweight or obese is the fact that it increases the risk of insulin resistance. Losing weight, on the other, hand helps reduce the HBA1c which is the long term indicator of blood sugar levels. The caloric intake per day should not exceed 800.
Engaging in regular physical exercise not only helps to lose weight but is also enhances glucose utilization by body tissues reducing its concentration in the blood. If one has never been involved in physical exercise before, they can start with simple routines such as brisk walking then increasing the intensity progressively. It is recommended that one engages in intense activity for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, for three to five days in a week.
Alcohol has a major impact on the levels of blood glucose. Since carbohydrates are a major constituent of alcoholic beverages, their metabolism causes an increase in glucose levels. The situation is likely to be a bit complicated if one is on insulin or oral glucose lowering agents. This is because alcohol and the drugs are all metabolized by the liver. The alcohol overwhelms the liver in some cases making it difficult to break down the drugs. Such drinks should be avoided completely if possible.
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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