Diabetes is a serious metabolic condition that is caused by disorders in insulin production and utilization. Lack of insulin in the body is associated with increased levels of blood sugar, a phenomenon that may lead to both acute and chronic complications. Since patients have to be on some form of treatment for their entire lives, there is a need to take the patients through counseling. We will look at the main areas to consider 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.
Just as is the case with other chronic illnesses, the diagnosis of diabetes is associated with significant psychological stress. It is not easy to accept that one has to make significant lifestyle adjustments in a bid to live with the condition. Some patients may end up with mental disorders such as anxiety or depression. It is important, therefore, that all the newly diagnosed access the services of a mental health expert.
There is a need to emphasize on the importance of having the right diet booth for type 1 and 2 diabetics. This ensures that the blood sugar levels are maintained within a normal range. Persons with diabetes should avoid taking sweetened drinks and sugary snacks. These have a high glycemic index which means that they have a potential to drastically increase blood sugar levels. The ideal diet contains lots of fruits, fresh vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.
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.
Patients that consume alcohol (especially in high quantities and on a regular basis) should be counseled on the same. In general, alcoholic beverages should be markedly or completely avoided if possible. Alcohol intake results in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations are much more erratic in persons taking oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin. This is because the liver is overwhelmed by the metabolism of alcohol and cannot adequately break down these drugs.
Diabetes tends to preexist with other conditions particularly those that affect the cardiovascular system. For this reason, it is important that patients undergo regular medical check-ups (at least once annually). This will ensure that any other co-morbidities such as hypertension are screened for and treated. At the same time, it will be easier to identify the long term complications of chronic hyperglycemia.
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.
Just as is the case with other chronic illnesses, the diagnosis of diabetes is associated with significant psychological stress. It is not easy to accept that one has to make significant lifestyle adjustments in a bid to live with the condition. Some patients may end up with mental disorders such as anxiety or depression. It is important, therefore, that all the newly diagnosed access the services of a mental health expert.
There is a need to emphasize on the importance of having the right diet booth for type 1 and 2 diabetics. This ensures that the blood sugar levels are maintained within a normal range. Persons with diabetes should avoid taking sweetened drinks and sugary snacks. These have a high glycemic index which means that they have a potential to drastically increase blood sugar levels. The ideal diet contains lots of fruits, fresh vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.
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.
Patients that consume alcohol (especially in high quantities and on a regular basis) should be counseled on the same. In general, alcoholic beverages should be markedly or completely avoided if possible. Alcohol intake results in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations are much more erratic in persons taking oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin. This is because the liver is overwhelmed by the metabolism of alcohol and cannot adequately break down these drugs.
Diabetes tends to preexist with other conditions particularly those that affect the cardiovascular system. For this reason, it is important that patients undergo regular medical check-ups (at least once annually). This will ensure that any other co-morbidities such as hypertension are screened for and treated. At the same time, it will be easier to identify the long term complications of chronic hyperglycemia.
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