What to do if you have diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common and dangerous diseases in the world. According to the World Health Organization, about 422 million people globally are living with diabetes and this number is expected to increase to 642 million by 2040. Diabetes not only affects health but also causes many dangerous complications such as stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. Therefore, knowing how to prevent and treat diabetes is very important. In this article, we’ll learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of the three most common types of diabetes, along with tips for better management.

Type 1 diabetes – Causes, symptoms and treatment

Reason

Type 1 diabetes is an inherited type of diabetes and usually appears at a young age. This disease occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys beta cells in the pancreas, causing a deficiency of insulin – a hormone needed to regulate blood sugar. People with type 1 diabetes will have to take daily insulin injections to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Symptom

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often appear quickly and clearly. Some main symptoms include:

Headache, fatigue and constant thirst.
Frequent urination, especially at night.
Feeling hungry or nauseous after eating.
Sudden weight loss without reason.
Dry and itchy skin.
Mood changes and difficulty concentrating.

Treatment

Type 1 diabetes is a disease that cannot be completely cured, but can be well controlled if you follow the correct treatment regimen. The most important thing is to inject insulin in the correct dose and according to the schedule prescribed by your doctor. In addition, you should also control your diet and exercise to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes – Causes, symptoms and treatment

Reason

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and usually occurs in adults. This disease occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin effectively, leading to increased blood sugar levels. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include: obesity, physical inactivity, genetics, and age.

Symptom

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are often unclear and can last for years before being detected. Some main symptoms include:

Thirst and urinate more than usual.
Fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Dry and itchy skin.
Weight changes, especially weight gain.
Non-healing wounds on the skin.
Appetite and nausea.

Treatment

Type 2 diabetes can be well controlled by making lifestyle changes and following a treatment regimen. The most important thing is to control your weight by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. If necessary, your doctor may also prescribe medication or insulin to help control blood sugar levels.

Gestational diabetes – Causes, symptoms and treatment

Reason

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that is first detected during pregnancy or within 24 weeks of giving birth. This disease occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin to maintain stable blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Risk factors for gestational diabetes include: obesity, age, genetics and a family history of diabetes.

Symptom

Symptoms of gestational diabetes are often unclear and can be confused with normal symptoms of pregnancy. Some main symptoms include:

Headache and fatigue.
Thirst and urinate more than usual.
Weight changes, especially weight gain.
Feeling hungry or nauseous after eating.
Dry and itchy skin.
Appetite and nausea.

Treatment

Gestational diabetes can be well controlled by making lifestyle changes and following a treatment regimen. The most important thing is to control your weight by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. If necessary, your doctor may also prescribe medication or insulin to help control blood sugar levels.

5 warning signs of diabetes that you should not ignore

Diabetes is a dangerous disease and can cause many serious complications if not detected and treated promptly. Here are 5 warning signs of diabetes that you should not ignore:

Thirst and urinating more than usual: These are two main symptoms of diabetes. When the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin effectively, blood sugar levels increase, causing the kidneys to work harder to remove sugar through urine. This leads to a constant feeling of thirst and urinating more than usual.

Sudden weight changes: If you have diabetes, your body will not be able to use glucose to produce energy, making you feel tired and hungry. This can lead to cravings and nausea, causing you to eat more than usual and gain weight suddenly.

Dry and itchy skin: High blood sugar can reduce the amount of water in the body, causing dry and itchy skin. In addition, diabetes can also reduce the body’s immunity, making the skin susceptible to infections and wounds that do not heal.

Mood changes and difficulty concentrating: Unstable blood sugar levels can affect brain activity, causing symptoms such as mood changes and difficulty concentrating.

Skin wounds that do not heal: Diabetes can reduce the body’s immunity, causing skin wounds to not heal quickly and become susceptible to infection.

If you have any of the warning signs of diabetes, see your doctor immediately for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

7 ways to reduce blood sugar naturally

Controlling blood sugar levels is very important for people with diabetes. In addition to following the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor, you can also apply the following natural ways to reduce blood sugar:

Increase physical activity: Regular exercise can help the body use insulin more effectively, helping to control blood sugar levels. You can exercise for 30-60 minutes a day, including activities like walking, jogging, swimming or yoga.

Weight loss: If you are obese, losing weight can help your body use insulin more effectively, helping to control blood sugar levels. Find ways to lose weight by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Eat less sugar and starch: Sugar and starch are the body’s main sources of calories and can cause blood sugar spikes if you eat too much. Instead, focus on eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nutritious proteins.

Control your carbohydrate intake: Carbohydrates can cause a spike in blood sugar if you eat too much. Limit the amount of carbohydrates in your diet and choose carbohydrates with a low glycemic index such as barley, oats and sweet potatoes.

Drink plenty of water: Drinking enough water can help the body eliminate sugar through urine, helping to control blood sugar levels. Drink about 8 glasses of water a day and avoid sugary drinks.

Reduce stress: Stress can increase blood sugar levels, so find ways to reduce stress by doing yoga, practicing breathing techniques and focusing on your favorite leisure activities.
Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can increase blood sugar levels, so try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help your body rest and control blood sugar levels.

8 lifestyle changes to help manage diabetes better

Lifestyle changes are very important for people with diabetes. In addition to following the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor, you can also adopt the following lifestyle changes to help better manage your diabetes:

Eat healthy: Limit the amount of sugar and starch in your diet and focus on eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nutrient-rich proteins.

Exercise regularly: Exercise can help the body use insulin more effectively, helping to control blood sugar levels. Exercise 30-60 minutes a day, including activities like walking, jogging, swimming or yoga.

Weight control: If you are obese, losing weight can help your body use insulin more effectively, helping to control blood sugar levels. Find ways to lose weight by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Controlling blood sugar levels: It is important to test blood sugar levels regularly to monitor the condition of your diabetes and adjust your treatment regimen as needed.

Drink enough water: Drinking enough water can help the body eliminate sugar through urine, helping to control blood sugar levels. Drink about 8 glasses of water a day and avoid sugary drinks.

Reduce stress: Stress can increase blood sugar levels, so find ways to reduce stress by doing yoga, practicing breathing techniques and focusing on your favorite leisure activities.

Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can increase blood sugar levels, so try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help your body rest and control blood sugar levels.

Regular health check-ups: It is important to see your doctor regularly to monitor the condition of your diabetes and adjust your treatment regimen as needed.

10 best foods for people with diabetes

Healthy eating is very important for people with diabetes. Here are the 10 best foods for people with diabetes:

Green vegetables: Green vegetables are an excellent source of nutrition for people with diabetes, including green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, water spinach, Chinese cabbage and fish mint.

Fresh fruit: Fresh fruit is an important part of a diabetic diet. Choose fruits with a low glycemic index such as apples, pears, strawberries, kiwis and oranges.

Nuts: Nuts such as almonds, walnuts and chia seeds are rich sources of fiber and omega-3, which help control blood sugar levels.

Whole grains: Whole grains such as oats, barley and whole wheat are good sources of nutrients for people with diabetes.

Nutritious proteins: Proteins such as chicken, fish, beans and eggs are good choices for people with diabetes.

Low-fat milk and dairy products: Low-fat milk and dairy products such as yogurt and cheese can help control blood sugar levels.

Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of nutrients for people with diabetes, including tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots and beets.

Good fats: Good fats like olive oil, flaxseed oil and coconut oil can help control blood sugar levels.

Beans: Beans are a good source of protein and fiber for people with diabetes. Add legumes like soybeans, tofu and chickpeas to your diet.
Fresh fruit juice: Fresh fruit juice is a good way to supplement your body with vitamins and minerals, but remember to only drink small amounts and don’t add sugar to your juice.

Diabetes and diet: What you need to know

Diet is an important part of diabetes management. Here’s what to know about diabetes and diet:

Limit sugar and starch: People with diabetes should limit the amount of sugar and starch in their diet to help control blood sugar.

Focus on nutrient-dense foods: Focus on eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nutrient-dense proteins.

Track the glycemic index: The glycemic index is an indicator of how foods affect blood sugar levels. Choose foods with a low glycemic index to help control blood sugar.

Eat little and often: Instead of eating large meals, divide your meals into small portions and eat frequently to help control blood sugar levels.

Drink enough water: Drinking enough water can help the body eliminate sugar through urine, helping to control blood sugar levels.

Avoid sugary drinks: Limit or avoid sugary drinks to help control blood sugar levels.

Track calories: People with diabetes should track the calories in their diet to help control weight and blood sugar.
Consult a doctor: Always consult a doctor or nutritionist for dietary guidance appropriate to your health condition.

Diabetes and exercise: Things to keep in mind

Exercise is an important part of diabetes management. Here are things to keep in mind when exercising for people with diabetes:

Consult your doctor: Before starting any exercise program, consult your doctor for an examination to determine the appropriate level of exercise for your health condition.

Exercise regularly: Exercise 30-60 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week to help control blood sugar.

Choose appropriate activities: Activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, yoga and light exercise are good options for people with diabetes.

Monitor your blood sugar: Always monitor your blood sugar before and after exercise to adjust your diet and insulin dose if necessary.

Avoid Excessive Exercise: Do not exercise excessively, as this can increase blood sugar levels.

Focus on comfort: Focus on comfort when exercising, don’t force yourself too much.
Paired with a healthy diet: Exercise along with a healthy diet is the most effective way to control diabetes.