Diabetes is a growing world health problem and is inching towards a global epidemic every year. What is even more concerning is the growing number of Type 2 diabetic patients and its impact on the younger generation.
Recently I got the opportunity to attend an event on Living Fully with Diabetes. Jay Bhanushali was a speaker at the event. Jay Bhanushali is an actor and model, and a caregiver to his mom. He spoke about his first-hand experience as a caretaker, and I had so many things to learn from the conversation.
Before coming to the insights, I got, let us first understand why should we all be concerned about diabetes.
Understand the risks associated with Diabetes
We must understand that diabetes is a lifestyle-related health problem. If we are not able to manage diabetes, it can lead to poor glucose control, and put people at higher risk of complications.
These risks may even cause issues with the nervous system, heart diseases, retinopathy, and foot ulcers.
Factors that affect glucose levels in the body
- Diet
A nutrient-rich balanced diet is essential for people with diabetes as it keeps their sugar levels in check and provides the nutrients that the body needs.
- Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading causes of Type 2 diabetes in the younger lot. With proper exercise, workouts, and doctor’s medication, a patient can reverse type 2 diabetes.
- Stress management
Stress and anxiety can trigger sugar levels and patients can see a spike in their sugar readings. It is important to stay stress-free and calm to manage glucose levels.
Here is what I learned from the session
Diabetes is manageable with proper diet, exercise, and leading a balanced life. A person with diabetes can lead a happy life provided he monitors the glucose levels and keep them in check.
To keep diabetes in check it is vital to keep a tab on glucose levels. A lot of times patients fail to monitor their glucose levels which leads to higher blood sugar levels.
The first step for managing any illness is to understand its type and then one can work on managing it.
During the event, I was amazed to know about CGM (continuous glucose monitor) which is so easy to use, with no prick solution for monitoring the blood sugar levels.
Being a pre-diabetic, it is extremely important for me to keep track of my sugar levels and due to my family history, I want to prevent myself from reaching the diabetes stage. Hence, I think CGM along with proper nutrition and physical activity will be really important.
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You are right, Kapila. Diabetes can be managed with proper diet, exercise and glucose monitoring. My husband is diabetic but he fears finger pricks which makes him skip testing. I am so happy to know about CGM device, it will be so helpful for monitoring glucose levels without pricking fingers.
You are right, Kapila, it is important that people with diabetes live a balanced life involving proper diet and physical activity to manage it effectively. The CGM devices sound amazing, I am going to try it for my husband who is living with diabetes for the last 5 years.
You are right, with continuous monitoring, one can manage diabetes. But it’s also important that one follows a proper lifestyle and routine . I am going to share the pointers with my mom and mil as both are diabetic patients.
Awareness is the key in proper management of Diabetes. Thanks for sharing about your discussion, the key aways are really very helpful and will surely try to implement for my parents too.
This is a really useful article – I’m going to try this prick free product to moniter sugar for my parents too!