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Pediatric Care Q & A
What are the basic elements of diabetes management?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition with devastating results if it isn't managed effectively. There are several key components that are involved in diabetes management. They include:
- Constant and careful monitoring
- Dietary and nutritional support
- Regular exercise or moderate levels of physical activity
- Knowledge of the disease and the medications used to treat it
- Ability to accurately measure and consume/inject the proper dose
If you've been diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you must learn to effectively manage your condition if you want to experience optimum health and proper body functions.
Is insulin the only way to manage diabetes?
Diabetes management goes far beyond simply using insulin. Your diet is one of the most important factors in your care plan and must be carefully monitored and regulated. The foods you consume help create the calories and fuel your body needs to survive.
Different types of food are utilized in different ways and are broken down at varying rates. Simple carbohydrates are broken down quickly and provide a flood of glucose to the bloodstream which results in a quick burst of energy. Complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, break down slowly and provide sustained levels of glucose. That produces sufficient energy levels that help you function throughout the day.
The healthcare providers at Montes Medical Group are available to help you fine tune your diet and ensure you get the nutrition you need for optimal health and well-being.
What role does exercise play in diabetes management?
As an important part in diabetes management, exercise gives you control over your blood sugar levels. Exercise also strengthens the body and improves circulation, both of which are a must for diabetic patients. If you've been diagnosed with either type of diabetes, remaining active is extremely important for two reasons.
First, exercise maintains adequate circulation throughout the body, which supports both the nervous system and the muscular structure of the body. It also burns excess amounts of blood glucose that may require additional insulin to control. If you exercise on a regular basis, your body will function much more efficiently than if you live a sedentary lifestyle.
Making an appointment with the health care providers at Montes Medical Group will provide you the information you need to create a diabetes management plan that will help you maintain good health for many years to come.
