Diabetes Information

The management of diabetes is based on four main pillars : diet, exercise, medicines (insulin or tablets) and education.
Diet: Diet forms the sheet anchor in the treatment of diabetes. Contrary to popular belief, the diabetic diet need not be a very cumbersome or monotonous affair. It is based on two major principles; avoidance of diet sugar in any form and restriction of total number of calories. The old belief that rice should not be taken by a diabetic has been disproved by studies in the last two decades. It is only the total quantity of cereals that matter and not the type of cereal consumed.
Exercise: Helps to lower blood sugar levels and to reduce weight. It also reduces the requirement of anti-diabetes drugs. Additional benefits include beneficial effects on the heart, feet and other organs.
Medicines: The choice of whether to take insulin or tablets is widely dependent on the type of patient. All IDDM patients need three insulin injections daily, to maintain health. NIDDM patients can be treated with diet, exercise and tablets at least for 10-15 years. Gradually, however, even they may require insulin to achieve sugar control.
Education: In order for diet, exercise and medicines to be effective, the patients must understand as much about diabetes as possible.

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Filed under: Diabetes control