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.
The process of counseling is more of an educative session. It is meant to help the patients understand the condition better and how best they can live with. It should be done on a continuous basis since the disease tends to progress with time. It has been observed that patients that undergo regular consoling are likely to be more adherent to drugs and other forms of treatment that are prescribed.
The diagnosis of chronic illnesses is often associated with major psychological stress. Diabetes is no exception. Many patients find it difficult to adjust to new lifestyles after the diagnosis has been made. In some cases, patients have ended up with serious mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. For everyone diagnosed with the condition, talking to a mental health expert is beneficial.
Persons with diabetes should understand the need for having a proper diet at all times. A healthy diet helps both type 1 and 2 diabetics maintain their levels of blood sugar within the normal range. The general advice is that sugary snacks and sweetened drinks should be avoided as much as possible. Such foods are described as having a high glycemic index. This means that they are likely to significantly raise the blood sugar levels. More fruits, whole grain vegetables and lean protein should be consumed.
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.
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.
The process of counseling is more of an educative session. It is meant to help the patients understand the condition better and how best they can live with. It should be done on a continuous basis since the disease tends to progress with time. It has been observed that patients that undergo regular consoling are likely to be more adherent to drugs and other forms of treatment that are prescribed.
The diagnosis of chronic illnesses is often associated with major psychological stress. Diabetes is no exception. Many patients find it difficult to adjust to new lifestyles after the diagnosis has been made. In some cases, patients have ended up with serious mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. For everyone diagnosed with the condition, talking to a mental health expert is beneficial.
Persons with diabetes should understand the need for having a proper diet at all times. A healthy diet helps both type 1 and 2 diabetics maintain their levels of blood sugar within the normal range. The general advice is that sugary snacks and sweetened drinks should be avoided as much as possible. Such foods are described as having a high glycemic index. This means that they are likely to significantly raise the blood sugar levels. More fruits, whole grain vegetables and lean protein should be consumed.
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.
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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