How to manage type 1
There is no known way to prevent or cure type 1 diabetes but it can be successfully managed by following a strict regime of administering insulin, following a healthy diet and taking regular exercise.
The key is to test your insulin levels regularly and keep your blood sugar levels stable. This will help to prevent all the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and other complications. Those who have type 1 diabetes can still live life to the full. For more on type 1 treatment, see here.
How to manage type 2
Adhere to these eight crucial lifestyle changes to ensure you manage your health successfully:
1. Your diet: Eat a diet high in fibre, fresh fruits and vegetables, and low in processed and sugary foods. Ensure you don’t skip meals, especially breakfast. Additionally, keep your blood glucose levels stable by snacking on smaller meals throughout the day.
2. Drink water more often: Keep your body hydrated, but avoid drinks high in sugar including sodas, flavoured waters, milkshakes and energy drinks.
3. Work up a sweat: Get active for 30 minutes a day. Results from a 12-year study conducted by the University of Cambridge showed that this reduces risk of premature death by as much as 30 percent.
4. Put out that cigarette: Quit smoking as it has been found that the harmful effects of chemicals found in cigarettes puts diabetics at higher risk of nerve and blood vessel damage.
5. Enjoy a tipple in moderation: Monitor your alcohol intake. While research has shown that a small amount of alcohol daily has some health benefits, drinking too much can send your blood glucose levels into overdrive.
6. See your doctor regularly: Get your annual medical check-ups done to ensure your blood glucose levels are normal.
7. Shed those extra kilos: Keep your body mass index (BMI) at a healthy level for your age and height. If you have diabetes, carrying extra weight puts you at higher risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. According to Johns Hopkins University, shedding that weight can help improve your blood glucose levels, thereby aiding your body to use insulin more effectively and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.
8. Invest in time for yourself: It’s important to reduce your stress levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, raised levels of stress impact your blood glucose levels, so it’s important to find ways to invest in your mental wellbeing too.
How Clicks Clinics can help you
Clicks Clinics will help you prevent, identify and manage diabetes with their wide range of screening tests and health assessments.
These include:
- Glucose Screening with Consultation;
- Urine Test (tests for blood, protein and glucose);
- Blood Pressure Test;
- Cholesterol Testing and Consultation;
- Lipogram Blood Test (to determine different types of cholesterol);
- Foot Screening Consultation (to check for diabetes-related foot problems);
- Clicks Full Basic Screening (BP, Body Mass Index or BMI, meal guide and exercise plan);
- Clicks Screening Measurements only (BP and BMI);
- Clicks Comprehensive Screening (BP, BMI, Glucose and Cholesterol screening, plus meal and exercise plan)
To make an appointment at a Clicks Clinic, call 0860 254 257 or visit Clicks Clinics online.