From having a sweet or two to going off sugar is a big change in one’s life. This is why having diabetes sometimes is considered worrisome. But surely it is not the end of the world. Did you know that one can lead a fulfilling life even with diabetes by practising four pillars of diabetes management? India alone has about 72.96 million cases of diabetes in adults.[1] In this article, you will get to know what are the 4 Pillars of diabetes and how to bring your sugar level down by following them.
Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) is of mainly three kinds: Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 & Gestational Diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes happens when insulin production stops altogether in the body. In this case, insulin is externally injected into the person.
- In Type 2 diabetes the insulin production is in a lesser amount than required which causes blood-sugar imbalance time and again. This then needs to be maintained by medication and cutting out sugar intake.
- Gestational Diabetes is diagnosed during pregnancy and has direct and indirect implications towards the mother and baby’s health. It usually fades away post-delivery but the risk of Type 2 Diabetes remains in mother.
Most people suffer from Type 2 Diabetes which is related to heredity and lifestyle habits. People often ask what the best treatment for diabetes is. The answer to this lies in lifestyle changes. These changes also give out a ray of hope for people with diabetes to lead an equally gratifying life like others.
List of Contents
The following are the four pillars of diabetes management:
Oral Medication for Diabetes:
Since blood sugar level is directly affected, the first most important pillar in diabetes management is consulting the right doctor and adhering to the prescribed medications. In diabetes, there are some medicines that need to be taken before and some after the main meals of the day. So the prescription needs to be followed religiously.
In addition to this, there should not be a big gap between medication and the meal. I learnt this from my relative’s experience – she had once taken the before-meal diabetes medicine while leaving from home for a lunch party. For some reason, the lunch got a little delayed. A long time gap between medicine and meal affected her health adversely during the party itself as her blood-sugar level dropped. Thankfully timely intervention of doctor prevented any complications.
Weight Management and Diabetes:
The importance of weight management in diabetes is often spoken about with great emphasis by medical practitioners. Diabetics with a balanced weight surely lead a better life[2].
Maintaining a proper weight leads to controlled blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also enables diabetics to feel energized and happy on an emotional level.
Dietary Management for Diabetes
Having diabetes does not mean putting an end to the food lover within you. It simply means that you need to eat right.
Start from chalking out a meal plan for yourself keeping in mind the recommended fruits and vegetable and your choice of food. Plan this chart considering the timing like which food is best suited for you in the morning, afternoon or at night. Obviously, everything should be eaten in moderation.
Apart from this, some food items specifically advised against by the doctor should not be consumed for the said time period. Another important thing I give to my diabetic family member is Ensure Diabetes Care. It is thoughtfully made for controlling blood sugar level right from day 1. In a span of 4 weeks, one can see better-controlled blood sugar level.
Physical Activity/Exercise and Diabetes
This is one significant change all diabetics should make for an active life. As a matter of fact, exercise aids in weight management & also helps one to break their sedentary lifestyle.
Walking, Yoga, Swimming & Dancing/Aerobics are some great physical activities for the same. However, for all kinds of diabetes, the exercises should be started after proper consultation with a doctor. Precautions in terms of timings etc. need to be strictly adhered to.
I hope reading about & practising these four pillars of diabetes management proves helpful in embarking on a more gratifying life journey with diabetes. The best way for the same is to have small achievable goals while bringing in these lifestyle changes. Do not be over-ambitious but rather be regular and you are sure to see a difference.
You might find this recipe of Mango- Badam Barfi Yummy!
References
[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nearly-12-of-indians-above-50-have-diabetes-finds-new-survey/articleshow/71531884.cms
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4238418/
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Indeed these 4 pillars plays an important role in controlling blood sugar levels. Keep blood sugar on check is very important. Ensure does help in controlling the sugar level. #EnsureDiabetesCare
Well said – diabetics can also lead fulfilling lives if they control their blood sugar. Your tips are very useful! #ensurediabetescare helps in that journey 👍🏻
Thank you so much.
These are essential pillars for leading healthy life and including #EnsureDiabetesCare is a wise option to manage diabetes.
Very well written post. Starting with types of diabetes then explaining the four pillars to manage diabetes. Probably the most apt for diabetics and caretakers and Ensure Diabetes Care also looks like one of the pillars.
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Diabetes is becoming one of the common health issues today and situation can get serious if precautions are not taken at the right time. The four pillars that you have mentioned in the post can help the diabetes patients and their caregivers to a great extent.
Diet management can go a long way in keeping diabetes in check. I think you have covered all the four pillars very well. Thanks for the informative post.
I am hearing a lot about ensure diabetic care all across the web. Seems like a great option for diabetics to manage their blood sugar level. Thanks for sharing all insights about it.
This is such an informative post. Fortunately no one in my close family has diabetes but this is good information to have at hand.
This is quite an informative post, thanks for sharing about these 4 pillars of diabetes management. My husband is a diabetic and he takes medicines daily to keep his diabetes in control. But yes exercising, diet and weight management is also an important part of his lifestyle now.
The four important pointers that you have mentioned are so important for diabetic patients. They can keep their diabetes in check and avoid further risks and diseases that come along.
Your tips to control blood sugar level are practical. Controlling diet and regular exercise can help in changing life for good.
The 4 pillars stated in the post can be helpful for all people leading life with diabetes. Being active is the key in the Diabetes Management. Taking away the mantra to stay fit with Diabetes from this post.
You described in detail all about the type of diabetes and the treatment. Weight and food management can help to control the blood sugar level.
I love this detailed post on diabetes. Diabetes is very common these days and after being diabetic so many other diseases started popping out. Your pointers are very helpful.
A healthy life helps in many ways.Diabetes is a lifestyle disease and these are great tips to stay healthy even with Diabetes.
Well written post on managing diabetes! Eating the right food can help keep diabetes under check! Well researched and written!
Your point about the diet held my attention. People live by myths about which food to have and which food not to. It is important that they should listen to doctor.
This is a post that should be bookmarked.Over the years the number of diabetic patients have increased manifold.. So are the myths associated. You have made a clarified account of what is needed.
Very well researched post and I can say this dear because I have my mil and brother both having it and we really need to manage it well
Weight and diet management are so important and these should be followed from a young age. Making it a lifestyle choice shows effects in the long run, otherwise diabetes becomes very hard to manage.
Diabetes is really something we all should take care properly and even there should be proper knowledge must be shared. I really liked the details you have shared
I totally agree with you on this.. it can be life-changing if followed..
Nice read
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