There are many lifestyle changes that people diagnosed with diabetes need to make in order to live a healthy life. People who have recently been diagnosed will need to pay close attention to their diet, sugar level, insulin injections and much more to be able to manage the condition.
This can lead to high levels of stress and cause major depression. In this article, I will talk about how to cope with the huge emotional burden that this medical condition causes.
Managing Diabetes – Lifestyle Changes
There are many factors that need to be managed when people are diagnosed with diabetes. It can be difficult to make the lifestyle changes needed to cope with the medical condition. It means completely changing certain diet and lifestyle habits to be able to correctly manage the symptoms.
This can be extremely difficult for people who are diagnosed when they are older ,as it will mean that they have to completely change their diets. It can also be incredibly challenging for young people as they have to watch their friends consuming things they wish they could eat.
People with type 1 diabetes, for example, will need to ensure that their diet is low in fat, salt and sugar. Instead they should aim to regularly eat starchy carbohydrates such as pasta, rice and potatoes. Those with diabetes should avoid drinking sugary drinks and fruit juices, as they can increase blood glucose levels very quickly.
It is not just changing diet habits that can be challenging, as the condition needs to be closely monitored via glucose level checks. Many youngsters find it extremely embarrassing to have to inject themselves in front of their friends. It can also be hard to carry out this check when doing sporting activities but if they are not monitoring it, it could result in a severe attack.
People who are diagnosed with diabetes also need to take extra care on hot days. Spending long periods of time out in the sunshine can affect diabetes control, by causing blood glucose levels to rise higher than usual. It is important to store insulin away from the sun and in a cool bag or fridge. Test strips should also be kept out of the sun and kept as close to normal room temperature as possible.
Due to the emotional rollercoaster that diabetes causes, it can be hard for many to cope with the challenges faced. Experiencing erratic moods can not only be challenging for the person suffering from them but also those around them, such as family and friends. This can cause friction in relationships and as a result, cause depression and anxiety.
It is estimated that around 20% of those who suffer from diabetes suffer from depression as a result. If you are suffering from serious depression it is vital that you seek help from a psychologist or counselor. If left untreated, it can have a major impact on your social, work and home life.
Due to the huge emotional stress that diabetes causes it is important to have people around you that understand the condition along with being able to help should you have an attack. If you are finding it extremely difficult to cope it is important that you seek professional medical help and they will be able to help you.
It will take you time to recognise the body reacting to the disease but after time it will become normal and you will be able to manage it a lot easier.
Conclusion
If you want to try to prevent diabetes there are a number of steps you can take. The most important thing is making sure that you have an excellent dietary and fitness routine. Avoiding a high sugar diet and exercising regularly is the best way to help prevent yourself from suffering from diabetes.
If diabetes runs in the family make sure you get checked every year as in some cases it can be genetically passed and inherited. By making the lifestyle changes given to you by your diabetes care team you can manage your symptoms and live a normal life.
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