A proper diabetes management program is essential to living a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle for those affected by type 1 and type diabetes.
Diabetes can be a killer, and prior to the discovery of insulin in 1921, everyone with type 1 diabetes died within several years after diagnosis.
Though insulin is not considered a cure for diabetes, its discovery was the first serious breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes.
Diabetes Management Program – Proper Diet and Physical Activity Are Essential
Today, the basic therapies for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes include healthy eating, physical activity, and taking some form of insulin or oral medication.
Healthy eating and physical exercise and activity are essential for persons dealing with diabetes because they are at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, approximately 65 percent of persons with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
A diabetes management program that includes physical exercise is necessary to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Diabetes Management Program – Blood Glucose Level Monitoring is Vital
Another important part of a successful diabetes management program is the frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels by way of blood glucose checking. It is important to ensure that blood glucose levels remain fairly constant throughout the day avoiding extremes, either high or low.
Diabetes Management Program
When blood glucose levels drop too low, a person can become shaky, nervous, and confused. This condition is known as hypoglycemia. One’s judgment can become impaired, and if the blood glucose level falls too low, fainting can occur.
The reverse of hypoglycemia is hyperglycemia, which is the result of the blood glucose levels being too high. A person can become seriously ill from hyperglycemia.
Along with daily or weekly monitoring, it is also advisable for people with diabetes to monitor blood glucose levels several times a year via a laboratory test called the A1C. The results of the A1C test reflect the average blood glucose levels over a 2-3 month period.
Diabetes Management Program – Choose a Good Health Care Provider or Team of Providers
A competent and knowledgeable health care provide is an invaluable component of a good diabetes management plan. Your health care provider will monitor your diabetes and help you keep it under control. In fact, a team of health care providers can be a great asset to a person dealing with diabetes. Your team of health care providers could include…
- a primary care physician such as an internist, a family practice doctor, or a pediatrician
- an endocrinologist (a specialist in diabetes care)
- a dietitian, nurse, or other health care provider certified as a diabetes educator—this person is considered an expert in providing information about managing diabetes
- an ophthalmologist or an optometrist (for eye care)
- a podiatrist (for foot care)
- other health care providers, such as cardiologists and other specialists
For women who are pregnant with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, an obstetrician who specializes in caring for women with diabetes would be of great help. In this case, the team could also include a pediatrician or a neonatologist with experience in caring for babies born to women with diabetes.
Diabetes Management Program – Start Working on One Now!
The ultimate goal of a good diabetes management program is to keep levels of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol of the diabetes patient as close to normal range as safely possible. The better one is able to maintain his or her diabetes, the fewer health problems he or she will have down the line.
Make sure that your diabetes management program includes a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and physical activity, and a well qualified medical team. With a good diabetes management plan, you have the greatest chance of leading a healthy and happy lifestyle.
