Diabetes is a condition that affects more than 4.9 million people in the UK. It is a condition that anyone can develop, though there are certain risk factors that make people more vulnerable. As this condition impacts so many people, with some serious side-effects, it is important to understand it. With that in mind, we have created this guide to diabetes, as well as health tips to help you manage it.
What is Diabetes?
The human body needs glucose to function properly. Glucose is another name for the sugars we absorb from the food we eat. It is what gives our bodies energy. To absorb these sugars, our body produces insulin, a hormone that breaks down the sugars and converts them into energy.
However, for people with diabetes, this process loses its efficiency. How this happens depends on what type of diabetes a person has. Most commonly, the body stops producing enough insulin to process the glucose, or the insulin it produces is not effective enough. This causes the sugars to remain in the bloodstream, which can then cause damage to organs and nerves.
Symptoms of Diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes, simply called Type 1 and Type 2. Most cases are diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. However, many of the symptoms are common to both types. Be aware of:
- • Urinating often – People with diabetes will often find that they need to use the toilet more often.
- • Feeling very thirsty – Diabetes causes your kidneys to work harder as they try to filter excess glucose. This removes fluids from your organs, which in turn makes you thirstier.
- • Fatigue – If your body is not processing glucose correctly, you are not absorbing enough energy. This can result in sustained fatigue.
- • Unexplained weight loss – Because the body is not drawing energy from glucose, it may start to burn fat and muscle for energy instead.
- • Blurred vision – Diabetes can cause damage to your eyesight.
- • Slower healing – If bruises and cuts are taking longer to heal than usual, then this may be a warning sign.
- • Tingling or numbness in hands or feet – This symptom is more common in type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms can be mild, so many people may have diabetes without realising. However, if you think you may have diabetes it is important to get tested, as this condition can cause several complications.
Managing Diabetes
If you have diabetes, it is important to manage the condition to avoid complications. Failing to control your sugar levels could result in:
- • Heart attack or stroke
- • Kidney disease
- • Nerve damage
- • Coma
- • Foot ulcers
When you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will help you to identify your safe blood sugar levels. You should then try to keep your levels within this range to avoid damaging your body.
Here are some health tips for managing your diabetes.
Eat Well
It’s important to eat a balanced diet regardless of health conditions. However, with diabetes it’s important to eat with your blood sugar levels in mind. Different foods affect your sugar levels differently, and certain food combinations may also have an impact.
Carbohydrates are often most responsible for impacting blood sugar levels. Insulin doses will need to be adjusted if you take them at mealtimes. Talking to your doctor will help you find out how many carbohydrates you should be eating.
Otherwise, you should be striving for a balance of starches, fruits and vegetables, proteins, and fats. Foods such as fruits and wholegrains are low in carbohydrates and high in fibre, which is better for your blood sugar levels.
Finally, avoid drinks that have been sweetened with sugar. This includes many carbonated drinks or sugars in your tea. Reducing sugar intake is one of the best things you can do to keep sugar levels stable.
Exercise More
Like eating well, exercising often is important for everyone’s health. For people with diabetes, regular exercise uses up excess glucose and improves the efficiency of insulin. Exercising is one of the best ways to regulate blood sugar levels, and the more you exercise the longer the effects will last.
However, it’s important to exercise according to your limits. Consult with your doctor, as they may be able to advise you on the appropriate regime for you. It is recommended that adults get around 150 minutes of exercise every week. You will see the best results if you stick to a routine and set up a schedule.
You should remain mindful of your blood sugar levels when exercising. Check your levels before you exercise and throughout. Have a snack ready for if your blood sugar gets too low. You may also want to wear a medical identification bracelet if you are exercising away from home; this will allow members of the public to provide additional support if you feel unwell.
Medication
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you may be given medication to help you manage the condition. One of the most important things you can do is to store your medication properly. Insulin, especially, is sensitive to extremes in temperature. These could render the medication ineffective.
If you are worried that your medication is lowering your blood sugar too much, or is not lowering it enough, you should speak with your doctor. You should also be mindful of the effects non-diabetes medication may have on your blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Plans
It can be difficult to predict when your blood sugar levels may drop out of your normal range. It is important to have plans in place for when this happens. Blood sugar levels can change as a result of illness or stress, or when you drink alcohol. This could involve needing to have insulin readily available when you are out of the house, or carefully choosing what you eat. A diabetes plan will reassure you if you are feeling unwell as a result of your condition, as you will have a process you can follow to help you feel better.
You should work with your doctor to create your diabetes plan. If you are out with loved ones, they should be made aware of it too. As aforementioned, a medical identification bracelet can also help members of the public provide you with the appropriate support.
Telecare Alarms for Diabetes
For additional reassurance when managing your diabetes, you should consider a Telecare Alarm. With a Telecare Alarm, you can call for help at the press of a button. This allows elderly, disabled, and vulnerable people to remain safe and secure in their own home. If you feel unwell, or have a fall, simply activate your alarm and our professional Monitoring Team will arrange support on your behalf. This involves informing emergency contacts and, if necessary, the emergency services.
Find out more about Telecare Choice alarms by reading our quick guide. Order your Telecare Choice personal alarm today.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 9th January 2024 to reflect current information.
