Diabetes is a chronic illness in which the body improperly uses insulin. Blood sugar levels increase as a result, which may create additional health issues.
In order to regulate your blood sugar levels and lower your risk of problems if you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend one or more therapies.
Continue reading to find out more about some of the most popular therapies and advice for persons with recently discovered diabetes.
Weight Loss
Being “overweight” is generally defined by the Centers for Disease Control as weighing more than is healthy for a person’s height.
Overweight individuals with diabetes are prevalent. When that occurs, a doctor would typically suggest weight loss as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy.
Losing 5 to 10% of body weight may help many persons with diabetes lower their blood sugar levels. As a result, fewer diabetic drugs are required, according to a study published in the journal Diabetes Care.
Weight loss may also lower your risk of heart disease, which affects patients with diabetes more frequently than the overall population.
Your doctor could advise you to reduce the number of calories in your meals and snacks in order to stimulate weight loss. They might also suggest that you increase your workout.
Your doctor could advise weight-loss surgery in particular circumstances. Bariatric or metabolic surgery are other names for this procedure.
Dietary Changes
In order to assist you to control your blood sugar levels and weight, your doctor might advise dietary adjustments. For your general health, a well-balanced diet is also crucial.
With diabetes, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to a good diet.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) generally advises:
- Consuming a range of meals that are high in nutrients, such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats
- Space out your meals throughout the day in an even manner.
- If you take any medications that can cause your blood sugar to drop dangerously low
- Avoid skipping meals.
- Talk to your doctor if you need assistance changing your diet. A trained dietician who can assist you in creating a healthy food plan may be recommended by them.
Physical Change
Your doctor could advise you to increase your physical activity to lower your chance of developing problems from diabetes as well as your blood sugar and weight levels.
The majority of persons with diabetes should:
- Receive at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity at a moderate to high level every week, spaced out across several days.
- Perform two to three weekly bouts of resistance training or strength training, spaced out across different days.
- Try to cut down on the amount of time you spend sitting down.
- Try not to go more than two days without engaging in any form of exercise.
Your doctor may advise you to set various physical activity goals depending on your health. Sometimes, they may urge you to stay away from certain actions.
Your doctor might suggest that you work with a physical therapist to assist you in creating a workout regimen that is safe for you.
Medication
If you only make lifestyle modifications, you might be able to control your blood sugar.
But many patients with diabetes eventually require medication to control their condition.
Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following, depending on your medical history and needs:
Injectable treatments such as a GLP-1 receptor agonist or an amylin analog, as well as oral pharmaceuticals insulin that may be injected or inhaled
Your doctor will often start by recommending an oral drug. You might need to gradually include insulin or other injectable medications into your treatment regimen.
Speak with your doctor to find out more about your pharmaceutical alternatives. They can assist you in balancing the advantages and disadvantages of various medications.
Blood Test
Maintaining target blood sugar levels is the major objective of diabetes therapy.
Health issues might result from having excessively low or high blood sugar levels.
Your doctor will routinely request blood tests to assist check your blood sugar levels. The A1C test can be used to determine your typical blood sugar levels.
They could also suggest that you routinely monitor your blood sugar levels at home.
You may prick your fingertip and use a blood glucose monitor to check your blood sugar at home. Or, you may spend money on a continuous glucose monitorTrusted Source, which uses a tiny sensor to continually monitor your blood sugar levels.
Final Thoughts
Your doctor could advise you to adjust your diet, exercise regimen, or other lifestyle choices in order to manage diabetes. They may suggest one or more medicines. You’ll be required to schedule routine examinations and blood tests as well.
Inform your doctor right once if your symptoms or blood sugar levels change. Diabetes can evolve over time. To accommodate your changing demands, your doctor may modify your treatment plan.
