Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by deficiencies in insulin hormone or inability of the body to utilize it. Its hallmark feature is abnormally high levels of blood glucose levels that may lead to immediate or long term complications. Being a chronic condition, patients have to be on medication or have to modify their lives as soon as the diagnosis has been made. In these article, we look at the main issues that should be addressed in diabetes counseling.
Counseling is an opportunity to help patients understand their condition better. They learn of the signs and symptoms, the available treatments and the possible complications that are associated with the condition. The process should be continuous rather than a single session because it the disease is chronic and progresses with time. If done in the right manner, the process helps enhance adherence to prescribed medications.
Like many chronic illnesses, emotional health is an important part of treatment for this condition. Most cases of type 2 diabetes are made in adulthood and one of the biggest challenges that this brings with it is adjustment of the individual to the diagnosis. This is a possible trigger for stress and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients will benefit from the services of a mental health expert.
The need for a proper should be emphasized among both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. A healthy diet will help maintain the sugar levels within normal ranges. Generally, patients should be advised to limit their intake of sugary snacks and sweetened drinks. These foods have been shown to cause sharp spikes in the levels of blood glucose among persons with diabetes. The diet should have lean protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Excessive weight among diabetics is a risk factor for insulin resistance. Losing weight, in contrast, helps reduce blood sugar levels. Patients should be advised to keep their daily caloric intake at less than 800 per day. It is important to point out that this strategy is only effective in the short term and other measures have to be undertaken for long term weight control.
Engaging in regular physical exercise not only helps to lose weight but is also enhances glucose utilization by body tissues reducing its concentration in the blood. If one has never been involved in physical exercise before, they can start with simple routines such as brisk walking then increasing the intensity progressively. It is recommended that one engages in intense activity for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, for three to five days in a week.
Alcohol has a major effect on the levels of blood sugar. Taking alcoholic beverages generally increases the levels. One of the major components of alcohol is carbohydrate, a complex molecule that is usually broken down into glucose. There may be a compromise in the breakdown of insulin and other glucose lowering agents since the liver is often overwhelmed by alcohol metabolism. The general recommendation, therefore, is that alcohol intake should be limited or stopped completely.
Persons with diabetes are advised to have regular follow up clinic visits. This will make it possible to determine whether or not their treatment is optimal. In addition, they will undergo screening for any other chronic conditions associated with the condition as well as screening for possible complications.
Counseling is an opportunity to help patients understand their condition better. They learn of the signs and symptoms, the available treatments and the possible complications that are associated with the condition. The process should be continuous rather than a single session because it the disease is chronic and progresses with time. If done in the right manner, the process helps enhance adherence to prescribed medications.
Like many chronic illnesses, emotional health is an important part of treatment for this condition. Most cases of type 2 diabetes are made in adulthood and one of the biggest challenges that this brings with it is adjustment of the individual to the diagnosis. This is a possible trigger for stress and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients will benefit from the services of a mental health expert.
The need for a proper should be emphasized among both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. A healthy diet will help maintain the sugar levels within normal ranges. Generally, patients should be advised to limit their intake of sugary snacks and sweetened drinks. These foods have been shown to cause sharp spikes in the levels of blood glucose among persons with diabetes. The diet should have lean protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
Excessive weight among diabetics is a risk factor for insulin resistance. Losing weight, in contrast, helps reduce blood sugar levels. Patients should be advised to keep their daily caloric intake at less than 800 per day. It is important to point out that this strategy is only effective in the short term and other measures have to be undertaken for long term weight control.
Engaging in regular physical exercise not only helps to lose weight but is also enhances glucose utilization by body tissues reducing its concentration in the blood. If one has never been involved in physical exercise before, they can start with simple routines such as brisk walking then increasing the intensity progressively. It is recommended that one engages in intense activity for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, for three to five days in a week.
Alcohol has a major effect on the levels of blood sugar. Taking alcoholic beverages generally increases the levels. One of the major components of alcohol is carbohydrate, a complex molecule that is usually broken down into glucose. There may be a compromise in the breakdown of insulin and other glucose lowering agents since the liver is often overwhelmed by alcohol metabolism. The general recommendation, therefore, is that alcohol intake should be limited or stopped completely.
Persons with diabetes are advised to have regular follow up clinic visits. This will make it possible to determine whether or not their treatment is optimal. In addition, they will undergo screening for any other chronic conditions associated with the condition as well as screening for possible complications.
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