Diabetes Management Overview

Diabetes Management Overview

• Diabetes management involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and monitoring to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
• The goal of diabetes management is to maintain blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.

Lifestyle Changes

• Dietary Changes:
  • Eat a balanced diet that is low in sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
  • Increase fiber and omega-3 fatty acid intake.
  • Drink plenty of water and limit sugary drinks.
• Physical Activity:
  • Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
  • Incorporate strength-training exercises at least twice a week.
• Weight Management:
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce insulin resistance.
  • Aim for a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9.

Medication

• Oral Medications:
  • Metformin is commonly used as a first-line medication for type 2 diabetes.
  • Other medications include sulfonylureas, meglitinides, and thiazolidinediones.
• Insulin Therapy:
  • Insulin is used to treat type 1 diabetes and some cases of type 2 diabetes.
  • Types of insulin include rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting.

Monitoring

• Blood Glucose Monitoring:
  • Check blood glucose levels regularly to track progress and adjust treatment plans.
  • Use a glucometer to measure blood glucose levels.
• HbA1c Testing:
  • Measure average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.
  • Goal HbA1c level is <7% for most people with diabetes.

Complications and Prevention

• Acute Complications:
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS).
• Chronic Complications:
  • Microvascular complications: nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy.
  • Macrovascular complications: cardiovascular disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
• Prevention Strategies:
  • Regular health check-ups and screenings.
  • Foot care and regular eye exams.
  • Manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Diabetes Management Overview

• Diabetes management aims to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications by combining lifestyle changes, medication, and monitoring.

Lifestyle Changes

• A balanced diet is crucial, with a focus on:
  • Low sugar, salt, and saturated fat intake
  • High fiber and omega-3 fatty acid intake
  • Adequate water consumption and limited sugary drinks
• Engage in regular physical activity, including:
  • At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week
  • Strength-training exercises at least twice a week
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce insulin resistance, with a:
  • Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9

Medication

• Oral medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes, including:
  • Metformin as a first-line medication
  • Other medications like sulfonylureas, meglitinides, and thiazolidinediones
• Insulin therapy is used to treat:
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Some cases of type 2 diabetes
• Insulin types include:
  • Rapid-acting
  • Short-acting
  • Intermediate-acting
  • Long-acting

Monitoring

• Blood glucose monitoring is essential to:
  • Track progress and adjust treatment plans
  • Use a glucometer to measure blood glucose levels regularly
• HbA1c testing measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, with a goal of:
  • Less than 7% for most people with diabetes

Learn about the importance of managing diabetes through lifestyle changes, medication, and monitoring to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.