What to do if you have diabetes

IT CAN be very difficult to hear that you have diabetes. You probably will feel overwhelmed and confused. You are asking yourself, what are the steps you need to take to take care of you.

Well, the good news is you have a community to fall back on. You do not have to manoeuvre this by yourself. You have the support of countless others who have felt the same shock. Your diagnosis is simply the first step. There are ways you can manage your diabetes, through diet, exercise, medical support and emotional help.

According to Dr Rivane Chybar Virgo, medical doctor and health and wellness coach, speaking at a weekly ‘Health Talk Sunday Series’ presentation with adequate information you can have everything you need to help you live a long, healthy life surrounded by people who know exactly what you are going through.

Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. People with diabetes have high blood sugar because their body cannot move sugar from the blood into muscle and fat cells to be burned or stored for energy, and/or because their liver makes too much glucose and releases it into the blood.

If you have diabetes, you can manage your condition by:

• Eating healthy: Eat a variety of foods, including vegetables, whole grains, fruits, non-fat dairy foods, healthy fats, and lean meats or meat substitutes. Limit your salt intake to six grams per day.

• Being active: Most adults should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as walking, biking, or swimming. You should also aim to do strength-building exercise two to three times a week.

• Monitoring your blood sugar: Test your blood sugar often and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for managing your blood sugar level.

• Taking your medications: Take your medications as prescribed, even if you feel good.

• Managing stress: Learn ways to manage stress and cope with the emotional side of diabetes.

• Getting regular checkups: Go to checkups and get regular blood tests.

• Quitting smoking: Smoking increases your risk of diabetes complications, including heart disease, stroke, and eye disease.

• Maintaining a healthy weight: You can use a BMI healthy weight calculator to check if you are at a healthy weight.

Depending on the type of diabetes you have, your treatment may also include insulin, oral drugs, or other medicines.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.comSOURCE: World Health Organization, Health Talk Sundays.