Diabetes is a condition in which patients have abnormally high blood sugar due to problems with insulin, a hormone that pulls sugar out of the blood. Patients with type I diabetes do not produce insulin, whereas patients with type II diabetes do not respond adequately to insulin levels. Diabetics need to do a number of things to keep their condition under control.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
One of the most important aspects of daily life with diabetes is frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels, the Mayo Clinic explains. Patients with diabetes will need to monitor their blood glucose levels several times each day. There are a number of different kinds of blood glucose monitors that can be used at home; some of these use a piece of paper, which changes color when exposed to blood, depending on the amount of glucose present in the blood. Patients may also use digital glucose testing devices, which measure the amount of glucose in a small amount of blood and display the glucose levels on a screen. Diabetics need to make sure that their blood glucose levels do not get too high or too low, as both can cause serious medical problems.
Diet
A patient's diet is also important for living with diabetes, the American Dietetic Association explains. In order to avoid large fluctuations in blood glucose levels, people living with diabetes should attempt to eat the same amount of food in each meal or snack, and consume food at regular times. Patients also need to work with their doctor or dietitian to create meal plans that are low in processed sugar and fats, and filled with fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains.
Medications
People with diabetes often need to take certain medications every day to help keep their blood glucose levels under control. Many patients need to receive periodic insulin injections, which are commonly given shortly before meals. Patients may also use a small insulin pump, which continuously infuses insulin into the blood. There are a number of oral medications that can also be used to treat diabetes, the Mayo Clinic states. Some of these increase the amount of insulin that the pancreas manufactures; other medications increase the sensitivity of the rest of the body to the effects of insulin.
Lifestyle Changes
Physical exercise is an important part of diabetes care. Patients with diabetes, according to the American Heart Association, should try to do 2 1/2 hours of intermediate intensity aerobic exercise, or 1 1/2 hours of high intensity exercise each week, combined with some light weight training. Exercise can help patients lose weight, which can help lower blood sugar levels and strengthen the cardiovascular system. Regular aerobic exercise also causes the muscles to pull sugar out of the blood, which helps prevent high blood glucose levels. Patients should also avoid smoking.
Self-Care
There are a number of other tasks diabetics should do daily in order to prevent diabetes-related complications. Patients should check their feet for any cuts, blisters, abrasions, scrapes, or other kinds of wounds, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders explains. This is because diabetics often have diminished sensation and circulation in their extremities, which can lead to wounds going unnoticed and becoming dangerously infected. Patients should also brush and floss their teeth each day to help avoid dental complications of diabetes. Additionally, because diabetes can increase a patient's risk of developing cardiovascular disease, patients should check their blood pressure and cholesterol on a regular basis.
