Advice for managing diabetes
Three tips for managing diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a medical condition in which glucose or sugar levels build up in the bloodstream because the body does not make enough insulin. Insulin is responsible for moving sugar into cells, where it is used for energy. Type 2 diabetes typically develops slowly and initially has only mild symptoms. As time goes on, the damage from uncontrolled diabetes is significant and includes blindness, loss of limbs, nerve damage and more.
Fortunately, if you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there is a lot that you can do to improve your health and reduce the likelihood of complications. While it is well known that a healthy diet and physical activity can improve diabetes symptoms, there are some things that can help that you might not be aware of. Dr.Trang Nguyen, Conroe family physician, offers some tips to help you better manage your diabetes.
1.) Talk to Your Physician
Individualized care is important when it comes to managing diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Research supports treatment based on individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Therefore, the first step in diabetes management is to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with your doctor. Your physician can give you tips and suggest lifestyle changes that are individualized to help you manage your diabetes. They can also refer you to a certified diabetes educator, a health professional who possess specialized knowledge in diabetes management.
2.) Stay Hydrated
Dehydration significantly interferes with blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is important to get a glass of water to drink whenever you can. Most of the time, your body will alert you when you are dehydrated. But, that is not the case for the elderly. Elderly people with diabetes may not be aware that they are thirsty. This, combined with other risk factors for dehydration, such as taking diuretics, can result in significant dehydration in older people. If you are a senior or the caregiver of older people with diabetes and notice fluctuating blood sugar levels, it is important to talk to your doctor about dehydration.
3.) Treat Sleep Apnea
Many people that have type 2 diabetes also have sleep apnea. This is a condition in which a person temporarily stops breathing while sleeping. People diagnosed with sleep apnea and diabetes often have blood sugar levels that fluctuate more dramatically while sleeping than in those without sleep apnea. Loud snoring is a sign of sleep apnea, therefore, if you snore talk to your doctor about the need to have a sleep test to diagnose sleep apnea.
if you are located in the Conroe, TX area and have questions about diabetes, contact Dr. Nguyen, Conroe Family Doctor, today. Dr. Nguyen and her team of medical professionals are committed to providing respectful, compassionate care to each and every patient.
