I want to know that what is the best cure for diabetics. I am a diabetic patient and I am so much worried about my sugar level
Answered by: Maria/MD Health Forum.com team
Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose (sugar in the blood). In diabetes, the pancreas either cannot produce enough insulin, fails to use insulin correctly, or both. Insulin is a hormone that allows the glucose to enter the body’s cells where it will be converted into energy. When the insulin is not enough or isn’t working as it should, the glucose cannot enter the cells. As a result, glucose level in the blood increases, and the cells do not get their much needed fuel.
There are two common forms of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for insulin production. Consequently, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Instead of being transported to the cells for fuel, the sugar accumulates in the bloodstream. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In this condition, the cells become resistant to insulin and the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to counteract this resistance. Just like in type 1 diabetes, the glucose builds up in the blood, and the cells cannot use its main source of fuel efficiently.
Long standing high blood sugar level can lead to serious complications. It can damage the nerves, blood vessels and organs. Complications of diabetes include cardiovascular problems, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, and foot and skin problems.
While there are many specialists on diabetes care, patients with the condition must keep in mind that effective diabetes control would require their commitment to make lifestyle changes. In any type of diabetes, good blood sugar control can be achieved by maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, taking diabetes medications, and keeping a healthy weight.
Healthy diet
Work with your diabetes health care team in formulating a diet plan that fits your lifestyle and will help you meet your health goals as well. The meal plan should focus on balanced nutrition and achieving good blood sugar control. Here are some tips on how to gain better control of blood sugar levels through diet:
Eat well-balanced meals in the correct amounts. Keep in mind that the amount of food you eat is directly related to your blood sugar level. Check the amount of carbohydrates, protein and fats listed on food labels to ensure right quantities. One way to control portion size is by using the plate method.
Meal timing. Blood sugar levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. It is crucial to take steps to prevent blood sugar from becoming extremely high or extremely low. One way to avoid the dangers of enormous swings in blood sugar readings is by developing consistent eating habits. Having several small meals at about same times each day will help promote healthy blood sugar levels and will also prevent you from getting too hungry between meals, thus contributing to weight maintenance.
Keep track of your carbohydrate intake
Blood sugar or glucose is derived mainly from the carbohydrates in foods, this is the reason why diabetics are recommended to watch their carbohydrate intake. Registered dietitians can help in making a carbohydrate counting plan designed to meet nutritional needs and establish good blood sugar control.
Carbs can be found in a many food items, while they provide the body with energy, not all carbohydrate-rich foods promote good health. To achieve healthy blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes complications, patients are encouraged to choose foods that contain vitamins, minerals and fiber, over foods that barely have nutritional benefits that can cause an abrupt increase in blood sugar levels. Sources of good carbohydrates include: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and potatoes. As much as possible, diabetics should avoid refined and processed foods as they usually have unhealthy carbohydrates, the kind that can cause blood sugar to spike. These foods include white refined flour, candies and sodas.
The glycemic index (GI)can also be helpful in selecting which foods to include in your meals. It ranks carbohydrate-containing foods based on their potential to increase blood sugar. Foods that have a GI rating tend to increase blood sugar faster and higher than those foods with a lower GI rating. Based on their GI rank, carbohydrates are categorized to three groups: low, medium and high. Low GI foods have a GI rating of 55 or less, while those that have 70 or more are high GI foods. Intermediate or medium GI foods are foods with a GI between 55 and 70. You can check the glycemic index of foods from the GI database of glycemicindex.com . You will find additional information on the benefits of low GI diet for diabetics in this previous blog entry.
Increase physical activity
In addition to proper diet, exercise has also been long recognized as an important part of diabetes self care. Increasing physical activity can help control blood sugar levels, promote weight loss, and lower the risks of complications such as as heart disease.
Exercise helps improve the way your body reacts to insulin. Engaging in regular exercise makes your body more sensitive to insulin, and lowers blood sugar. The blood sugar reading may get too low after exercising. Checking blood sugar level before and after exercise may be recommended. Before starting an exercise program, discuss with your doctor about what kind of exercise would suit you best. Exercise recommendation greatly depends on one’s overall health.
Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, or bicycling are usually encouraged. However, for patients who have problems with the nerves in the feet or legs, the doctor may recommend activities that won’t put too much stress on the feet. Examples of these exercises include swimming, water aerobics, or rowing.
Blood sugar monitoring
Blood sugar monitoring is an important tool in checking diabetes control. It allows type 1 diabetics to safely and effectively manage blood sugar levels. Regular blood sugar checks is also encouraged in patients with type 2 diabetes. A systematic review in 2005 suggests that self-monitoring of blood glucose might be effective in improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetics who are not using insulin. Your doctor will tell you how often you need to check your blood sugar levels.The frequency depends on the type of diabetes you have, how well your blood sugar is controlled, and the type of medication you’re taking. Keep a record of your blood sugar readings, this will help your doctor in evaluating your diabetes treatment plan.
Take your medications on time
Remember to take your medications as prescribed. Dosage adjustments can only be done if recommended by the doctor. Should there be changes in your usual routine, such as business trips or vacation, talk to your doctor to discuss your travel plans. Your doctor may recommend that you bring extra prescriptions as well as a letter explaining that you have diabetes. Patients are advised to have medical identification bracelet. The medications and medical supplies that your would take with you should last an extra week just in case you stay longer than planned.
This blog entry is for your general information only. I recommend that you discuss your concerns about blood sugar control with your own health care provider.
References:
http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/articles/High-Blood-Glucose/
http://www.glycemicindex.com/
McCulloch, D. Patient information: Self-blood glucose monitoring in diabetes mellitus. http://www.uptodate.com/patients/content/topic.do?topicKey=~zViz7SMSJp5xF accessed 5.12.2010
Welschen LM et al. 2005. Self-monitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes who are not using insulin. Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, van der Boechorststraat 7.
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