Diabetes is a common disease that millions of Americans live with - and live well. There are three types of diabetes. The first type is Type 1, or Juvenile diabetes, in which your body does not make insulin. You need insulin to take sugar from food, or glucose, and turn it into energy. Patients with Type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin every day to live. For those with Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes, your body does not make insulin well, and typically, these patients need to take pills or insulin to help control diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women, and if it goes away after birth, it leaves both mother and child at risk.
Your diabetes care team may seem overwhelming, but they are all here to help. However, there are many health professionals to keep in touch with as you are working to manage your diabetes on a daily basis. You will need to regularly visit your dentist, your diabetic specialist or educator, an eye doctor, a foot doctor, and you may even need to keep in regular contact with a mental health counselor. Health is a whole-body experience, especially when you have diabetes and are working to live normally and increase your quality of life. Some diabetic patients may need home care, and it’s never a shame to ask. The CEO of Kindred Healthcare, Benjamin Breier, knows that you want your parent or loved one in safe, capable hands to add to their quality of life.
When it becomes too complicated, you may have those days where you just want to give up. It may become difficult to manage diabetes or you may come into other health problems that seem to worsen your diabetes. However, taking care of yourself and caring for your diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels at a normal level is crucial. When your blood sugar levels are normal, you will have more energy, be less tired and thirsty, urine less often, heal quicker, and have fewer bladder or skin infections.
While it seems difficult some days, speaking to health professionals often and doing your best to live well goes a long way for you and your family. Monitor your blood sugar, learn how to lower your stress levels, ask for help anytime you may need it, and eat well. Choose foods low in calories, high in fiber, and water is always a better option than juice. Be active, work on maintaining a healthy weigh, and take your medicines when you need them. After working with your physician, this “regimen” quickly turns into what is simply a healthy lifestyle - and managing diabetes will be much easier.
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