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COLUMN: Managing diabetes through self-care

Dr. Stephen Ayosanmi is a family physician in Clearwater at Wells Gray Medical Centre
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Dr. Ayosanmi, is a doctor practicing in Clearwater, B.C.as a permanent family physician and E.R. doctor at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital, with a speciality in preventative self-care. (Photo by: Hettie Buck)

Diabetes Mellitus is not just a matter of consuming excessive sugar. It is a complex condition that arises when the body struggles to regulate glucose effectively.

Glucose serves as the body’s primary source of energy, and when its levels become too high, it leads to the development of diabetes. This condition can manifest in various ways, including excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and persistent dryness. Some individuals may remain asymptomatic for years, while others may only become aware of their condition when undergoing tests for other health concerns.

Diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, encompasses various forms, including Type 1 and Type 2, alongside gestational diabetes and genetic conditions such as maturity-onset diabetes of the young. Type 1 diabetes, constituting five to 10 percent of cases, is an autoimmune condition typically considered non-preventable. In contrast, Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 per cent of cases and is often regarded as preventable in many instances.

Statistics Canada reports that almost 10 percent of Canadians have been diagnosed with diabetes, while an additional seven per cent are classified as pre-diabetic, indicating a predisposition to the condition. The risk of diabetes increases with age, making it a significant concern for a substantial portion of the population. It is highly likely that most individuals are acquainted with someone who has been diagnosed with this condition. Therefore, it is crucial to engage in discussions about the necessary care and support for individuals managing diabetes.

Enough of the academic details on diabetes, let’s focus on a self-care approach to managing diabetes mellitus. The focus will mostly be on Type 2 diabetes, but some of the self-care approaches are applicable to other types as well. In my last article, I explained what self-care meant. I won’t dwell on introducing self-care in this article, but I will focus on what individuals can do to manage this chronic disease.

Self-care is a significant aspect of managing diabetes, helping you maintain your blood sugar levels within a target range and preventing complications. The complications of diabetes are scary and debilitating. Diabetes could affect virtually everywhere the blood flows in our body. Some of these self-care measures I’m recommending are readily available online and might have been recommended by your physician. I hope that the readers of this article will find them helpful, whether they are applicable to them or not. If you don’t have diabetes, you could offer this information as advice to someone with diabetes.

Self-care strategies for managing diabetes:

1. Monitor Your Blood Glucose: It is important to regularly monitor your blood glucose levels to gain insights into how your diet, exercise, and medication impact your glucose levels. This can help you make informed decisions to manage your diabetes effectively.

2. Balanced Diet: Your diet should be rich in fiber, including plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It’s important to limit foods that are high in sugar and fat to help control your blood sugar levels.

3. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can have numerous benefits for managing diabetes. It can help lower your blood sugar levels, improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin, contribute to weight loss, and promote a healthier heart.

4. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing diabetes. If necessary, losing weight can help improve your blood sugar levels and provide other health benefits.

5. Regular Check-ups: It’s essential to schedule routine medical check-ups to monitor your diabetes control and identify any early signs of complications. This can help in early intervention and better management of the condition.

6. Medication: If your healthcare provider has prescribed medication to help manage your diabetes, it’s important to take it consistently and exactly as directed.

7. Self-Education: Understanding your disease and staying updated about new research, medications, and management strategies can be very beneficial. Your family doctor can provide you with well-proven research and helpful information about diabetes management.

8. Stress Management: Stress can significantly impact blood glucose levels, so incorporating stress management methods like yoga, meditation, or simple breathing exercises into your routine can be beneficial for managing diabetes.

9. Adequate Sleep: Lack of sleep can affect your blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to maintain good health and better manage your diabetes.

10. Foot Care: Regular foot checks are crucial to avoid diabetic foot complications, as the condition can lead to a loss of sensation in the foot. Proper foot care is essential for preventing serious complications.

11. Limit Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can affect blood glucose levels, so it’s important to drink in moderation and never on an empty stomach. Monitoring the impact of alcohol on your blood sugar levels is crucial for effective diabetes management.

12. No Smoking: Smoking raises the risk of various diabetes complications, including heart disease, stroke, neuropathy, and kidney disease. Therefore, it’s important to avoid smoking to reduce these risks and effectively manage your diabetes.

It is important to incorporate these strategies into your daily routine while also scheduling regular consultations with your healthcare provider. Given that diabetes is a chronic condition, it is vital to have professional medical oversight in place to ensure effective long-term management. Regular check-ups and discussions with your healthcare provider will help in monitoring your condition, making necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, and addressing any concerns or issues that may arise.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on our articles. Please feel free to send your feedback to drayoselfcare@gmail.com. Your input is greatly appreciated.

Dr. Stephen Ayosanmi is a family physician with a practice in Clearwater, B.C. at Wells Gray Medical Centre