Type-2 Diabetes is a preventable peril; but for those already in the grasp of this insurgent monster, the plans to health-care of outmost importance for a long and hassle free life. To begin with a plan of action against the disease eliminating symptoms and blood-glucose level control are priorities. Alongside this comes the long-term prevention of complications. The primary weapons remain the same – a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine.
The first necessary skill for Diabetics to learn is Blood-Glucose Monitoring, the main tool for which is the glucometer. A doctor or medical advisor, or a diabetes educator can teach you how to handle self-testing and the routine to do so. It’s a simple procedure of using a special needle called a lancet to prick one’s finger and extracting a drop of blood onto a strip. The test strip is inserted into the glucometer for a 30-45 second readout of you blood-glucose level. Regular self-checking is vital for well being, especially during ill-days and before meals and bed time; to control blood-glucose levels and thus prevent further complications.
Attention must then be given to Diet and Exercise. For a Type-2 Diabetic, diet needs to be very balanced. A dietician or health-care advisor can help you monitor the exact nutritional requirements of your body according to your physical needs. Alongside a strict dietary regulation comes a through exercise regime. A professional fitness trainer can guide you through your work-out routine according to your individualistic requirements and capabilities. A high fluid intake and carrying food due to high calorie burning is advisable. However, to enjoy the exercise and finding appropriate routines are just as necessary. Close monitoring of blood-glucose will also let you know of preventable emergencies and work-out intensity requirements. Quitting the sins of smoking and alcohol consumption is also a part of this regime.
Medication is the next careful step for treatment of Type-2 Diabetes. A doctor usually begins with oral medication of various kinds. The most common are:-
• Sulfonylureas (like glimepiride, glyburide, and tolazamide) trigger the pancreas to make more insulin.
• Biguanides (Metformin) for the liver to decrease glucose production.
• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (such as acarbose) that lower the after-meal glucose levels by decreasing the absorption of carbohydrates.
• Thiazolidinediones (such as rosiglitazone) to increase cell’s receptivity of insulin.
• Meglitinides (repaglinide and nateglinide) that monitor insulin production as required.
After oral medication and lifestyle checks, or if medications don’t take effect; in short, if the monster persists, the doctor will prescribe insulin. Insulin is usually taken via an injection under the skin. It is an artificial alternative to the natural hormone that cannot be taken orally. The doses and combinations; the speed of their actions can vary; the doctor or medical advisors will prescribe you on individualistic needs.
After these precautions and medications, the next step to Diabetic care is the long term effects and conditions prevention goals. Foot-care happens to be an important part of Diabetes treatment, as blood circulation to the feet is most adversely affected by Type-2 Diabetes. Cleaning and checking your feet regularly for sores and calluses, maintaining skin to prevent any infection is very important. Because irregular blood-glucose levels affect healing very adversely, it is very important to visit a podiatrist regularly and wearing comfortable shoes to prevent any chances of infection and trauma to the feet. Carelessness can often lead to amputation as weak blood flow and blood vessels are a part of the conditions of a Type-2 Diabetic.
Continuing care is a vital requirement for the fight against Type-2 Diabetes, for once in your system, the monster remains within you to strike at the slightest sign of carelessness. Careful blood-glucose monitoring is important, but just so important is the tri-monthly periodical tests. These tests should be done at the doctors’ or diabetes advisor’s every three months without fail:-
• Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a three-month average of what your blood-glucose has been. It measures glucose retained by red blood cells. A high HbA1c is an indicator of risk for future complications. The ADA recommends an HbA1c of less than 7% to avoid complications.
• Blood pressure check.
• Foot and skin examination.
• Ophthalmoscopy examination.
• Neurological examination.
Apart from these, there are also important annual tests that require close monitoring to prevent future complications and development of any emergency. These are:-
• Random microalbumin (urine test for protein).
• BUN and serum creatinine.
• Serum cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides.
• ECG.
• Dilated retinal exam.
These are a few of the requirements and general notes to inform a Type-2 Diabetic. It is an attempt to brief you on fighting the villain called Type-2 Diabetes, this isn’t a medical excerpt. The precautions and advice your doctors and medical advisors give you are to be followed by the line.