Diabetes is not a disease to be afraid of, with little bit of motivation and commitment diabetes can be managed effectively. With some behavioural changes in our food habits and physical activities, we can minimise the dependency on medications and even completely avoid it in some diabetics.
Diabetes control is not only about medications. With some sensible approach, medication usage can be minimised in most of the diabetic patients and can be avoided in some.
By reducing some weight, particularly around abdomen with the help of increased physical activity and reduced food intake especially carbohydrates will help in augmenting the effect of medicines and reduce the dosage required. Even it might help in completely avoiding the medications in some, more so if the person is young with new onset diabetes.
It is very important to keep blood sugar well under control from the time of diagnosis. When the lifestyle modification alone is not enough to control the blood sugar, it is better to take medication to keep the blood sugar level under control. Generally blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetic tablets as well as insulin are very safe, well-tolerated, without major side effects.
Life style modifications should be given top most priority, since they are the effective, safe and inexpensive way of controlling diabetes and other life style diseases. When ever necessary medication should be added without any hesitation, since good control only will prevent any complications from happening…
GOLDEN RULES TO BE FOLLOWED:
- Limit carbs, choose good carbs like whole grains.
- Pay attention to the protein part. Fish, poultry, nuts, seeds and beans are the best choices.
- Choose food with healthy fat, limit food high in saturated fat, and avoid trans fat.
- Choose a fiber filled diet like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits (in moderation).
- Eat more vegetables. Go for colour and variety—dark green, yellow, orange, and red.
- Water is best to quench your thirst. Skip the sugary drinks, and go easy on the milk and juice.
- Eating less salt is good for everyone’s health. Choose more fresh food and fewer processed food.
- Avoid smoking & drinking alcohol.
- Consume food and prescribed medicines at recommended time and at recommended time intervals.
- Sleeping on time and getting up early really helps.