Diabetes : Awareness and key to management

Diabetes Awareness : Festivals are celebrations of our faith in Almighty and sweets are integral part of festive delicacies.“Watchful eating” is the key to good health amidst festivities. Certain important things about sugar control and correct information about diabetes might be helpful.

Lets get to know about peculiarities of diabetes in ladies. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease ( the most common diabetes complication) by about four times in women but only about two times in men. Women are more prone to developing complications of diabetes like retinopathy, kidney failure and even depression.

Important risk factors are  ,

⁃           Family history of diabetes

⁃           Hormonal imbalances

⁃           Pregnancy related diabetes ( gestational diabetes)

⁃           Hypertension

⁃           Polycystic ovarian syndrome

⁃           Obesity

⁃           Lack of exercise

Certain symptoms like sudden loss of weight, frequent urinary tract infections, burning or tingling of feet, vaginal infections, should prompt you to consult your doctor immediately and get evaluated for diabetes.

Prevention and management of diabetes can easily be remembered with the help of rule of ABC.

A : A1c: Control the HbA1c levels. The HbA1c test gives an estimate of the glucose level over the past 2-3 months. It should be less than or equal to 6.5 % for normal people and for people with diabetes, it should ideally be kept below 7%.

B – Blood pressure. It is essential that people with diabetes check their blood pressure regularly and also maintain a log book of all their BP readings. Blood pressure must be maintained at around 120/80 mmHg. Maintaining the right level of blood pressure prevents the occurrence of diabetes complications.

C – Cholesterol. Most people with diabetes develop heart disease and hence its important to check the cholesterol levels regularly. People with diabetes are advised to regularly check their triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels at least once a year.

All eligible persons should take the COVID vaccine. Remember that diabetes is a chronic lifestyle condition which can be managed by lifestyle modifications and taking your medication as recommended by your doctor.

All eligible people should take COVID vaccination as soon as possible.

Diabetes Awareness : Prevention can also be summarised by rule of ABC.

A – Activity, Physical activity. Atleast 30 minutes of aerobic physical activity is a must. You can slowly increase the duration.

B – Balanced diet. Watch what you eat. Make sure that proteins/ carbohydrates/ fats are in right proportion. Foods with low glycemic index will help. Eat everything, but in moderation.

C – Calm. Be calm. Practice mental relaxation. Stress management plays an important role in mental health. A sound mind can help in controlling many triggers for bad health.

Dear all,.. the time is now..