Diabetes: The Growing Trend

Diabetes is expected to affect more than 48 million people in the U.S

. by the year 2050. The most common kind of diabetes is Type II. It is a chronic medical condition that frequently affects adults and their ability to metabolize glucose, or sugar in the body. The disease can be life-threatening if left untreated. Controlling diabetes can be challenging for anyone combating the disease. It requires careful monitoring of food and medicine intake to avoid high blood sugar and the feelings of illness that come with it. An abundance of homecare medical supplies are now available to help people combat the disease at home in conjunction with healthy diet, exercise and prescription medications received from their doctor when necessary.

Diet and Exercise

Eating healthy foods that do not cause spikes in blood sugar levels is one of the most important aspects of controlling diabetes. Patients should avoid sugary foods and those low in fiber and protein. Dessert-lovers may find that adopting new eating habits is particularly challenging. It means giving up popular foods like cakes, pastries and chocolate. There are now many foods available on the market that are low in sugar that taste almost as good as the real thing. These can be eaten in moderation. Newcomers to healthy eating may find it easier to keep a food journal and write down every morsel they consume. Regular blood sugar readings and when the patient is not feeling well should also be included in the journal. Exercising regularly will also help to improve health. Adopting a daily walking or exercise regimen will help reduce weight, which has a positive effect on diabetics. Exercise and activity will also lower blood sugar levels.

Home Health

After consulting a physician, a diabetic patient should follow recommendations for use of insulin and monitoring their blood sugar. A protective insulin case, medication reservoirs and glucose monitoring systems are all available from online companies that provide home medical products. Not only having them, but using them regularly as directed will help to minimize health problems. Checking blood sugar regularly is one of the key components to living a comfortable and relatively healthy lifestyle despite being diabetic. Different types of monitoring systems are available, including lancing devices and test strips. Pricking the finger to test blood is not as painful as it used to be due to the revolutionary technology now available.

Inform Friends and Family

Although medical conditions can be embarrassing and personal, it is important for people with diabetes to let family and close friends know they have the disease. People who care can be a means of emotional support and encouragement to stay on track with diet and exercise. At family gatherings or holiday meals, the chef should be told beforehand that the person has diabetes. Most people hosting a meal in their home will adjust the menu or make special arrangements for dietary restrictions to accommodate their guests if they are given a little advanced notice.

In the event of a dizzy spell or diabetic coma, anyone that lives with the individual should be aware of the medical condition. Knowing what to do and how to help may alleviate the severity of the problem. It is also helpful if everyone in the household can inform paramedics of the condition to help that person receive proper medical care. The name and telephone number of the patient's doctor should also be posted in an accessible location, such as the refrigerator, in case of an emergency. Another adult in the home should also be aware of what type of medication is used and what type of homecare medical supplies are used.

by: Christine Harrell

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