Controlling Diabetes and Avoiding Major Complications

Many people think of diabetes as a major, life altering and debilitating disease. Amputation, blindness and other fears typically come to mind. While this may be true in extreme cases, it need not necessarily be the norm. Due to medical advances, many people who have it live long, productive lives.
Knowing how to prevent the illness in the first place should be high in our priorities list. And, though once diagnosed it can not be cured, the potentially devastating side effects of improper disease management can surely be averted. The very first thing to do is take control of your health by acquiring the proper knowledge necessary to manage it.
Diabetes control calls for a modification in lifestyle. First, the diabetic should modify their diet as recommended, get ample exercise, and take their medication as ordered by their doctor. One of the biggest alterations a person with diabetes must encounter pertains the food they consume. Meal portions, food types, and preparation techniques must be modified. The diabetic must eat a balanced diet comprised of foods from the principal food groups which are fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, carbohydrates and dairy.



The portion size of these food groups will depend on the quantity of calories you require daily determined by your overall health profile, age and degree of physical activity. Restricting the amount of fats and sugary foods is likewise a necessity. It is important to eat at the same time every day. What and how much you eat determines the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood at any one time. Maintaining your blood glucose at a safe level is directly determined by what you eat. It is additionally significant to take your medication at the same time daily. Once you establish a daily routine, you will be much less likely to get off schedule.
Exercising regularly has been demonstrated to play a key factor in controlling blood sugar levels and the general wellness of the diabetic. Additionally, if you are overweight or obese, a very hazardous condition for the diabetic, physical exertion will assist you melting away pounds, thereby helping to eliminate the potential hazards of the disease.
Additional modifications essential to preserving good health include keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. Also, minimizing your stress can contribute greatly. If you are a smoker, you should quit because it increases the danger of complications from the disease. The diabetic must also have their eyes examined at least one a year. Caring for the feet is likewise crucial as bad blood circulation often leads to amputations. But, if you keep a close eye on minor cuts and bruises, this could be avoided.
You must take the initiative and exercise control over your health and well being. You must be knowledgeable about the cause and complications involved with diabetes. And, if you are diagnosed with the disease it is crucial that you seek good medical advice and assistance in developing meal plans and a fitness routine appropriate for you. Family and friends will hopefully be there to help, and support groups are available to join in many areas of the country too.