Diabetes Care

Managing Diabetes: Essential Tips for Better Health

Anurag Laddha, Licensed Pharmacist
December 15, 2024
8 min read

Diabetes management is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing complications. As a pharmacist with over 21 years of experience, I've seen how proper diabetes care can transform lives.

Important Note

Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diabetes medication or treatment plan. This article is for educational purposes only.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). There are two main types:

  • Type 1 Diabetes: The body doesn't produce insulin
  • Type 2 Diabetes: The body doesn't use insulin properly

Essential Diabetes Medications

Metformin 500mg

First-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes. Helps reduce glucose production by the liver.

Take with meals
Usually 2-3 times daily
Insulin Injections

Essential for Type 1 diabetes and advanced Type 2 diabetes. Various types available.

Store in refrigerator
Rotate injection sites

Daily Management Tips

Blood Sugar Monitoring

  • Check blood sugar levels as recommended by your doctor (usually 2-4 times daily)
  • Keep a log of your readings to share with your healthcare provider
  • Target range: 80-130 mg/dL before meals, less than 180 mg/dL after meals

Diet and Lifestyle

Proper nutrition and lifestyle choices are fundamental to diabetes management:

Foods to Include
  • • Whole grains
  • • Lean proteins
  • • Non-starchy vegetables
  • • Healthy fats (nuts, olive oil)
  • • Low-fat dairy
Foods to Limit
  • • Sugary drinks
  • • Processed foods
  • • White bread and rice
  • • Fried foods
  • • High-sodium foods
Exercise Tips
  • • 30 minutes daily walking
  • • Strength training 2x/week
  • • Check blood sugar before/after
  • • Stay hydrated
  • • Wear proper footwear

When to Contact Your Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • • Blood sugar levels consistently above 300 mg/dL
  • • Signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (nausea, vomiting, fruity breath)
  • • Severe hypoglycemia (confusion, loss of consciousness)
  • • Persistent high blood sugar with illness
  • • Any concerning symptoms or side effects from medications

Conclusion

Managing diabetes effectively requires a comprehensive approach involving medication adherence, regular monitoring, proper nutrition, and lifestyle modifications. Remember, diabetes management is a marathon, not a sprint. Small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in your health.

At Parambi Medical Store, we're committed to supporting your diabetes journey. Our pharmacists are always available to answer questions about your medications, provide guidance on proper usage, and help you understand potential side effects.

Need Diabetes Medications?

Contact us via WhatsApp for all your diabetes care needs. Our experienced pharmacist is here to help.