If you have diabetes, your doctor will help create a treatment program that can help you manage your condition. Diabetes is managed with medications, diet, exercise or a combination of these treatments. Talk with your doctor to determine what the best choice is for your condition and let your doctor know if you desire a more natural approach to managing your diabetes.
Diabetes
Insulin is a hormone that your body uses to regulate your blood sugar. If your body does not produce insulin or if the insulin that you do produce is not used correctly by your body, your blood sugar levels will elevate and cause damage to your body. When your levels are elevated because of an inability of your body to make or use insulin correctly, your are considered diabetic.
Medications
You may need insulin or other medications based on your symptoms, complications you may be experiencing or your blood sugar levels, and these should be discussed with your doctor and your health care team. In addition to the severity of your symptoms, your diet and exercise habits will play a role. If you do not live a healthy lifestyle or plan to engage in healthy activities you will most definitely need medication. Diabetes medication is usually in the form of insulin or in a pill that is designed to lower blood glucose. Aside from pills, options include injectable drugs. Each of these pills and drugs works in different ways and some people need both insulin and pills. Medications should be taken in addition to meal planning and physical activity.
Diet and Nutrition
To manage your diabetes with diet and nutrition it is important to consult a dietitian who can help you plan your meals, calories and portions, which will help you keep your glucose levels steady throughout the day. The foods that you will eat will focus on healthy forms of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The diet will avoid foods that can cause spikes in your blood glucose and foods that can contribute to heart disease or other forms of chronic illness. Your case is unique to you and therefore no diabetes diet is exactly the same. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, seeds and vegetable oil like olive oil are all forms of foods that are healthy sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber and these foods will help you manage your diabetes. Foods that will be avoided are foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, refined carbohydrates, sugar, sodium and processed foods.
Considerations
Diabetes is a serious condition and your health care team will determine the best way to manage your condition. Your treatment should always start with proper meal planning and include a healthy diet and adequate exercise. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to add medication to your program. If you are unsure where to begin, ask your doctor to have a dietitian help you create a healthy nutrition program.
