Living with Diabetes: Support and Resources
What should you take care of if you have diabetes?
The diabetes It is, essentially, a total or partial lack of insulin, a substance responsible for regulating sugar levels in the body. This causes the body to experience levels that are higher (hyperglycemia) or lower (hypoglycemia) than normal, with a significant risk of even falling into a diabetic coma.
There are two types of diabetes: type 1 , more linked to childhood, with a genetic origin and/or hereditary to a large extent and in which the pancreas does not produce insulin. And that of Type 2 diabetes , the most common (90% of cases), is the most common type of diabetes, and although it may have genetic components, it is more closely related to lifestyle habits. In any case, if you have a diagnosis, it requires taking a series of measures to maintain your health. We must keep in mind that the risks of having diabetes and not knowing it are very high.
Although it will depend on each person, there are some aspects that can be applied to living with diabetes. They are as follows:
Check sugar levels
Anyone diagnosed with diabetes has to check your sugar levels , at the very least, once a day . And depending on the degree or lack of insulin, you'll need to do it more frequently or when you think it's necessary. To do this, you need to prick a drop of blood and consult immediately; this provides immediate access.
Let us remember that the normal rate of blood glucose in adults is between 90 and 130. Anything below 90 is considered hypoglycemia, and anything above 130 is hyperglycemia. In this case, maintaining control is essential.
Take your medication on time
The diabetes has to be treated with medication , depending more or less on the type and severity of the condition. It's a fairly complex condition, so it shouldn't be neglected at any time. It's also important to note that during occasional drops in blood sugar, having some sugary food on hand can be helpful.
We mustn't forget that diabetes is chronic. And while medication can be adjusted over time, it can't be discontinued at any time. For this reason, we emphasize that this point is essential because treatment must be continued.
Take care of your diet
A A person with diabetes , regardless of the degree, has to control , and a lot, your Nutrition . Some foods to avoid or minimize are pastries, carbohydrates, and certain fruits. Therefore, it's extremely advisable to seek nutritional advice and determine if there are any genetic interactions or predispositions.
When you have diabetes, your diet has a medicinal role, as it can help regulate glucose levels, but also increase them. Therefore, it's one of the aspects that must be strictly followed.
Avoid alcohol and sugar
Obviously, when you have diabetes you should Avoid bad habits . But there are two in particular that are harmful: alcohol and sugar. In the first case, consumption should be completely eliminated, and in the second, it should be reduced to a minimum by choosing the right foods. Both influence the rise in glucose levels and can have negative consequences.
Along with this, exercise can help you stay in good shape. It's true that obesity and smoking don't play a role, but they should be taken into account in moderation.
Living with Diabetes: Exercise
He exercise It can help regulate blood sugar levels because, if done consistently, you'll avoid major fluctuations. However, this exercise must be regular and, if possible, follow a scheduled routine. It's worth noting that this habit, while generally healthy, is especially recommended in this case.
It's worth remembering, however, that it's perfectly possible to exercise and have diabetes. In fact, if you have the necessary measuring equipment, food, and medication, there's no problem.
How to live with diabetes: available resources
Today, fortunately, there are means to monitor health and live with diabetes without major problems. These are the resources to follow:
- Early genetic testing: The sooner you can check for diabetes, especially type 1, the better. There are genetic panel tests for newborns and, for adults, preventive tests such as genotyping. The sooner it is known and diagnose , or the sooner the risks are known, the sooner action can be taken.
- Using glucose meters: Glucose meters allow you to pinprick the blood glucose level to check it at any given time. However, there are also watches and apps for real-time monitoring, which are especially useful for monitoring children with diabetes.
- Insulin administration: Insulin administration, whether in so-called "pencils" or orally, helps balance blood sugar levels. Although it must be taken daily and regularly, it is a way to maintain good health.
- Diabetes Management Training: Education and training are essential for proper diabetes management. It's important to understand the degree of diabetes and the decisions that must be made to properly manage this condition. For example, today it's possible to provide training on when and how to administer insulin, diet, and appropriate habits, and to update this training according to age.
- Frequent medical check-ups: Diabetes, being chronic, requires ongoing monitoring. Therefore, frequent medical checkups are necessary to adjust medication or take other measures. This is important, and therefore should not be neglected.
In short, it's now possible to detect diabetes or its onset earlier. It's also possible to monitor it to avoid extreme levels and, consequently, reduce risks.
In summary…
Living with diabetes is possible, and living with quality is possible, thanks to the resources available today. At Genotica, you'll find several tests to determine if you have a genetic predisposition to certain types of diabetes, compared by complexity, price, and delivery time. Contact us !