It is undeniable that diabetes is a clinical condition that is affecting more and more people worldwide.
It is estimated that more than 460 million people suffer from this disease.
This may be happening because of the fast-paced lifestyle many people lead, thus creating poor eating habits, with an unhealthy diet being one of the main causes of this disease.
Diabetes occurs due to high blood sugar levels, and this happens because of defects in the secretion or action of the hormone insulin.
When this hormone is lacking or does not perform its role properly, the levels can rise.
Although it is a condition that, if not treated properly, can lead to complications in the body, people with diabetes can take some precautions and thus achieve greater longevity. Read on!
1- Proper glycemic control
Maintaining proper glycemic control is of vital importance for people with diabetes.
By measuring before and after meals, it is possible to observe which foods should be avoided and which can be eaten without problems.
Whenever you measure, write down the values on paper for later evaluation. This should be done daily, if possible.
2- Healthy eating habits
As mentioned earlier, this disease is directly linked to the type of food we include in our meals. Therefore, a balanced diet is essential in the lives of people with diabetes.
To have a balanced diet, it is recommended that it be rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates. Include foods such as: vegetables, fruits, avocado, whole wheat flour, flaxseed, among others, in your meals.
It is also necessary to avoid sweets and fried foods to maintain an adequate blood sugar level.
3- Regular physical activity
Practicing physical activity regularly is very beneficial for those seeking to live longer, even with diabetes. This helps control diabetes or even reduce the risk of developing it.
Every time we exercise, keeping the body in motion, the body makes better use of the sugar in the blood. This even helps prevent strokes and heart attacks.
And it is worth emphasizing: always consult your doctor before starting any physical activity.
4- Weight control
Specialists recommend maintaining proper weight control according to age, sex, and height. People with diabetes and obesity may experience reduced glucose uptake by insulin.
By maintaining this control, you will also be preventing heart complications.
5- Moderate caffeine consumption
Excessive caffeine consumption can be problematic for people with diabetes, as it may interfere with blood sugar levels. It is advisable to moderate consumption or eliminate it if there is medical advice to do so.
This can help reduce diabetes complications, improve glycemic control, and lower cardiovascular risks.
6- Regular diabetes follow-up
To achieve greater longevity even with diabetes, it is important to attend regular medical appointments, as well as visit other specialists, such as a nutritionist or diabetes educator.
They will guide you in the best possible way, offering advice and answering questions about the disease.
7- Drug treatment
To prevent complications, doctors often recommend the use of antidiabetic medications, whose function is to reduce blood sugar levels. Some of them are: Glibenclamide, Metformin, and Gliclazide.
There are also cases in which insulin injections are necessary, since the person’s body is unable to produce this hormone properly.
8- Stress management
Diabetes
Specialists state that stress can cause blood glucose levels to rise, as well as blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, people with diabetes should try to reduce stress in their daily routine. There are some ways to avoid it:
- Listen to soothing music;
- Sleep seven to nine hours per night;
- Set aside time to do something you enjoy;
- Whenever you can, devote time to your favorite hobby.
9- Proper management of other medical conditions
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of heart complications. Diabetics have an increased risk of other medical conditions, such as heart problems. It is important to treat these conditions properly.
10- Access to health care
It is important to have access to the health care needed for diabetes management, including regular medical follow-up, education about the disease, and access to medications and monitoring equipment.
For many years, patients with diabetes have had the right to access medication and all information related to this pathology.
As a result, proper treatment will prevent complications arising from the disease and may also improve patients’ quality of life.
