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.
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.
Weight gain should be avoided at all costs. This is because excessive weight is a known risk factor for insulin resistance and worsening the condition. The patients need to be advised on the weight loss options that they have. Reducing caloric intake is one of the commonly used methods. 800 calories per day is the target. This strategy is effective for the short term and other options should be considered in the long term.
Regular physical exercise has numerous benefits. One of the direct benefits is weight loss which is desired change among diabetics. The other benefit is that increased muscular contraction experienced during physical activity increases the tissue uptake of glucose and this reduces the blood levels. Physical exercise that is deemed to be beneficial is that which includes intense sessions of not less than 30 minutes for at least 5 days in a week.
Alcohol has a major impact on the levels of blood glucose. Since carbohydrates are a major constituent of alcoholic beverages, their metabolism causes an increase in glucose levels. The situation is likely to be a bit complicated if one is on insulin or oral glucose lowering agents. This is because alcohol and the drugs are all metabolized by the liver. The alcohol overwhelms the liver in some cases making it difficult to break down the drugs. Such drinks should be avoided completely if possible.
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.
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.
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.
Weight gain should be avoided at all costs. This is because excessive weight is a known risk factor for insulin resistance and worsening the condition. The patients need to be advised on the weight loss options that they have. Reducing caloric intake is one of the commonly used methods. 800 calories per day is the target. This strategy is effective for the short term and other options should be considered in the long term.
Regular physical exercise has numerous benefits. One of the direct benefits is weight loss which is desired change among diabetics. The other benefit is that increased muscular contraction experienced during physical activity increases the tissue uptake of glucose and this reduces the blood levels. Physical exercise that is deemed to be beneficial is that which includes intense sessions of not less than 30 minutes for at least 5 days in a week.
Alcohol has a major impact on the levels of blood glucose. Since carbohydrates are a major constituent of alcoholic beverages, their metabolism causes an increase in glucose levels. The situation is likely to be a bit complicated if one is on insulin or oral glucose lowering agents. This is because alcohol and the drugs are all metabolized by the liver. The alcohol overwhelms the liver in some cases making it difficult to break down the drugs. Such drinks should be avoided completely if possible.
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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