- Don’t leave home without it. If you have Type 1 Diabetes and are insulin dependent, you need to have insulin injections with you at all times – even if you are just going down the road to buy a loaf of bread. You also need to show friends and family how to inject you if you should become unable to do it yourself. Always have spare supplies if you are traveling.
- Become tagged. Wearing a medic alert bracelet is essential for all diabetics – it could save your life if you are in an accident of some sort or if you go into a diabetic coma.
- Become a regular with your GP. See the doctor frequently so that your condition can be monitored regularly. There is no point in taking chances with your health. You need to be on the lookout for any worsening symptoms that could point to hypertension, heart problems, or circulatory disorders.
- The test is best. Invest in a blood glucose monitor, a test strip and a lancing device. Use it regularly and you will always know how your body is coping. In this way you can always adjust your diet or your medication (with your doctor’s permission of course) before things get critical. In the case of diabetes, prevention is always better than crisis management, as it prevents complications on the long run.
- Chew on this. Have your teeth checked regularly. Diabetes can compromise your immune system, which fights off viruses and bacteria. Your mouth is a haven for bacteria and hence your teeth are at risk if you are diabetic.
- Go GI, Jane. The Glycaemic Index (GI) involves a ranking of foods based on their immediate effect on blood glucose levels. Foods with a low GI (“slow-release”) do not overstimulate the pancreas to produce too much insulin. These foods include low-fat yoghurt, cereals, whole-wheat bread, fruit and vegetables and should be included in your diet regularly. Keep these in mind constantly.
- What goes round need not come round. Many diabetics are very susceptible to viral infections, so have those flu shots before the winter sets in. Immunisations against other infections doing the rounds are also advised. Don’t ignore that nagging cold that won’t go away – take it to the doctor.
- Chill out. High stress levels can cause hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar). A healthy diet and regular exercise can help to control this, but it might be wise to see a therapist and do some yoga classes in addition to this. Learn some de-stressing techniques.
- Become your own lifesaver. Don’t forget that you are dealing with a potentially dangerous disease here. Take your medication as instructed and don’t skip meals or eat the wrong type of foods. By sticking to these things daily, you can control the disease instead of letting it control you.
- Danger zone – sample only. Foods that have a very high sugar or fat content must be avoided. Only very small amounts of foodstuffs like nuts, chocolates, fried chicken, oily fish, shellfish and creamy desserts and cakes should be eaten.
- Listen to your body. Learn to read the signs of dangerous blood sugar fluctuations – these include excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, inexplicable moodiness, weakness and fatigue, nausea (Type 1 Diabetes) and in the case of type 2, all of the previous symptoms, as well as skin, gum and bladder infections, blurred vision, itching and tingling in the hands and feet.
- Where there is smoke. Smoking generally increases your blood pressure. If you are diabetic, this could mean long term circulatory problems could become more likely. Take steps to quit, however difficult it might be.
(published with permission in writing from:http://www.health24.com/)
