Diabetes is a chronic condition which surfaces in the body due to high glucose levels. Blood glucose is the main source of energy which comes from the food you eat; Insulin is a hormonal secretion from the pancreas which helps in breaking down these to get them to the cells. When the body fails to produce insulin, it directly hampers the systemic functioning of the body. Then, the glucose stays in the body rather than reaching the cells. Diabetes is a health condition which doesn't have a cure, but through mandatory lifestyle changes, diabetes can be kept from life-threatening implications. There are mainly two kinds of diabetes; Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is where the body doesn't produce any insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes require to take insulin everyday to stay alive.

Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not make or use insulin well. It is the most common type of diabetes. The common cause of diabetes is a family history of diabetes, overweight, and age-related reasons. There are several treatments for diabetes, including: Medications, Lifestyle changes, Insulin therapy, Continuous glucose monitoring, Bariatric surgery. Also there are several alternative treatment for diabetes that some people may choose to use in conjunction with their conventional treatment or as an alternative to it

Let us take a look at the various things through which diabetes can be kept at bay.

5 Things to Take Care for Diabetes Patients

1. Healthy food habits

Healthy eating improves your life, not just when you have diabetes. Incorporating healthy eating benefits have long-term positive effects on your body which help you maintain a confident lifestyle. Eating just the right foods will not do wonders in managing your diabetes. Knowing what to eat, when to eat and most importantly how much to eat; play a bigger role in keeping your diabetes on hold.

• The right portion: Carbohydrates are one of the main reasons that initiate spikes in glucose levels. The number of carbohydrates taken will have a direct effect on the dose of insulin. Portioning the food on your plate will pave the way for better handling of diabetes. Keeping track of food consumption will instigate mindful eating. 
• Well-balanced diet: The daily meal should have protein, fiber, starch and fats. The food items which are low in carbs and rich in fibers will help maintain the levels of blood glucose. Taking the advice of a good nutritionist will help you with better guidance. 
• Food requirement: The consumption of food should be in an adequate amount. Too little or too much food can affect how insulin and other medicines work within the body. It is necessary to coordinate food according to the medicine schedules.
• Avoid sugary beverages: Sugar-sweetened beverages are high in calories and have no nutritional benefits. The regular take-in of such beverages can lead to a spike in blood glucose levels. But this can act as an exception when used to bring back low blood sugar levels to a normal level.

2. Regular exercise

Regular physical activity ensures that the body isn't idle and results in the arduous use of the insulin produced in the body. Exercise causes the muscle to use the blood sugar present in the body. Good exercise and even basic household chores can help in regulating blood sugar levels to a great extent. It is advisable to consult your doctor before scheduling yourself for an exercise plan. If the patient has been inactive for quite a long, it is better to incorporate exercises at a slower pace. Schedule an exercise routine and make sure to follow that every day. Keep track of your blood sugar levels while exercising and keep a close watch on any unprecedented symptoms. Have plenty of water while exercising so that there won't be any kind of dehydration.

3. Avoid Smoking

Smoking is a health hazard irrespective of whether you have diabetes or not. Smoking can increase the chances of type 2 diabetes and can further cause many other health-related implications. Smoking can also cause reduced blood flow to the legs and feet which might eventually lead to amputation, heart-related ailments, stroke, eye diseases, kidney diseases and even premature death. 

4. Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in control

Blood pressure and cholesterol can be complementary when it comes to diabetes. These three can team up and disrupt the various bodily functions. They can also lead to higher chances of heart block treatments, and other life-threatening diseases. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, avoiding excessive use of alcohol and cigarettes and a regular exercise routine can improve life. It is also ideal to take in medications, if necessary.

5. Pay attention to your feet!

High blood sugar levels can limit blood flow to the feet. Even a small scratch can lead to high infections. As the nerves of the feet are affected, it can also lead to a loss of sensation. Incorporate taking care of your legs into your daily routine. In case of any soreness on the feet, consult a doctor immediately. It is also advisable not to walk barefoot indoors or outdoors. 

As diabetes is a terminal illness, following the above advice is the source of keeping this illness at bay. It is essential to have blood work and health check-ups done on a regular basis so that any changes can be sensed and rectified before it turns out to be futile. 

You may also like to know, the unexpected side effects and complications of diabetes