Diabetes is a serious metabolic condition that is caused by disorders in insulin production and utilization. Lack of insulin in the body is associated with increased levels of blood sugar, a phenomenon that may lead to both acute and chronic complications. Since patients have to be on some form of treatment for their entire lives, there is a need to take the patients through counseling. We will look at the main areas to consider in diabetes counseling.
Counseling of patients with diabetes is an opportunity to educate them. They should be helped to learn as much as possible about their condition and the strategies which they can adopt to make their lives better. The process needs to be done regularly bearing in mind that this condition is lifelong and progress over time. Patients that are regularly counseled have been observed to be more adherent to prescribed treatments.
Like many chronic illnesses, emotional health is an important part of treatment for this condition. Most cases of type 2 diabetes are made in adulthood and one of the biggest challenges that this brings with it is adjustment of the individual to the diagnosis. This is a possible trigger for stress and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients will benefit from the services of a mental health expert.
Persons with diabetes should understand the need for having a proper diet at all times. A healthy diet helps both type 1 and 2 diabetics maintain their levels of blood sugar within the normal range. The general advice is that sugary snacks and sweetened drinks should be avoided as much as possible. Such foods are described as having a high glycemic index. This means that they are likely to significantly raise the blood sugar levels. More fruits, whole grain vegetables and lean protein should be consumed.
Patients should understand that putting on excess weight is detrimental to the successful management of their condition. One of the effects of being overweight or obese is the fact that it increases the risk of insulin resistance. Losing weight, on the other, hand helps reduce the HBA1c which is the long term indicator of blood sugar levels. The caloric intake per day should not exceed 800.
Engaging in regular physical exercise not only helps to lose weight but is also enhances glucose utilization by body tissues reducing its concentration in the blood. If one has never been involved in physical exercise before, they can start with simple routines such as brisk walking then increasing the intensity progressively. It is recommended that one engages in intense activity for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, for three to five days in a week.
Alcohol has a major effect on the levels of blood sugar. Taking alcoholic beverages generally increases the levels. One of the major components of alcohol is carbohydrate, a complex molecule that is usually broken down into glucose. There may be a compromise in the breakdown of insulin and other glucose lowering agents since the liver is often overwhelmed by alcohol metabolism. The general recommendation, therefore, is that alcohol intake should be limited or stopped completely.
Diabetes tends to preexist with other conditions particularly those that affect the cardiovascular system. For this reason, it is important that patients undergo regular medical check-ups (at least once annually). This will ensure that any other co-morbidities such as hypertension are screened for and treated. At the same time, it will be easier to identify the long term complications of chronic hyperglycemia.
Counseling of patients with diabetes is an opportunity to educate them. They should be helped to learn as much as possible about their condition and the strategies which they can adopt to make their lives better. The process needs to be done regularly bearing in mind that this condition is lifelong and progress over time. Patients that are regularly counseled have been observed to be more adherent to prescribed treatments.
Like many chronic illnesses, emotional health is an important part of treatment for this condition. Most cases of type 2 diabetes are made in adulthood and one of the biggest challenges that this brings with it is adjustment of the individual to the diagnosis. This is a possible trigger for stress and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients will benefit from the services of a mental health expert.
Persons with diabetes should understand the need for having a proper diet at all times. A healthy diet helps both type 1 and 2 diabetics maintain their levels of blood sugar within the normal range. The general advice is that sugary snacks and sweetened drinks should be avoided as much as possible. Such foods are described as having a high glycemic index. This means that they are likely to significantly raise the blood sugar levels. More fruits, whole grain vegetables and lean protein should be consumed.
Patients should understand that putting on excess weight is detrimental to the successful management of their condition. One of the effects of being overweight or obese is the fact that it increases the risk of insulin resistance. Losing weight, on the other, hand helps reduce the HBA1c which is the long term indicator of blood sugar levels. The caloric intake per day should not exceed 800.
Engaging in regular physical exercise not only helps to lose weight but is also enhances glucose utilization by body tissues reducing its concentration in the blood. If one has never been involved in physical exercise before, they can start with simple routines such as brisk walking then increasing the intensity progressively. It is recommended that one engages in intense activity for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, for three to five days in a week.
Alcohol has a major effect on the levels of blood sugar. Taking alcoholic beverages generally increases the levels. One of the major components of alcohol is carbohydrate, a complex molecule that is usually broken down into glucose. There may be a compromise in the breakdown of insulin and other glucose lowering agents since the liver is often overwhelmed by alcohol metabolism. The general recommendation, therefore, is that alcohol intake should be limited or stopped completely.
Diabetes tends to preexist with other conditions particularly those that affect the cardiovascular system. For this reason, it is important that patients undergo regular medical check-ups (at least once annually). This will ensure that any other co-morbidities such as hypertension are screened for and treated. At the same time, it will be easier to identify the long term complications of chronic hyperglycemia.
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