Diabetes is a chronic disease that appears when the pancreas cannot not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot use insulin efficiently.
A correct diet is an important factor in the control of diabetes, as is physical exercise, watching your weight and taking any medication you have been prescribed correctly.
DIET
Diet is an important part of the treatment of diabetes. Patients must follow their doctor’s recommendations and comply with the restrictions they are given. Patients must have a meal plan and stick to a timetable and the number of meals prescribed. It is important to eat five or six times during the day.
Avoid eating refined carbohydrates (sugar, honey, chocolate, sweets, jam, cakes, preserved fruits, etc.) because these are absorbed quickly and cause a quick rise in blood sugar levels. Foods rich in fibre (whole meal bread, unpeeled fruit, vegetables, legumes) are highly recommended because they slow the rise in glycaemia (blood sugar) and prevent constipation. Limit your saturated fat consumption (meat, sausages, butter) and eat more fish, legumes, fruit and vegetables.
Avoid drinks with a high sugar and/or alcohol content. If your doctor agrees you can have a small quantity of wine during meals, never without eating.
EXERCISE
Regular physical exercise is very good for diabetics because it improves blood sugar control, helps to keep weight under control, relieves stress and reduces the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease.
Walking for 30 minutes a day is excellent physical activity and everyone can do it. Swimming, dancing, cycling or regular sessions at the gym are also recommended.
Wear suitable footwear when exercising and monitor your medication when exercising for longer or more intensely than usual. Carry a sugar lump on you in case your blood sugar falls suddenly (hypoglycaemia).
If your diabetes is unbalanced or there are advanced complications, physical exercise should be avoided.
PERSONAL HYGIENE AND FOOT CARE
Diabetic must be particularly careful with their personal hygiene, taking care of their skin and monitoring the condition of their feet.
Bath or shower every day. Use warm water and neutral soap. Apply lanoline-based moisturising creams. Do not apply cream between the toes.
Examine and wash your feet every day. Do not soak them in water for more than five minutes and dry them gently with a soft towel, paying particular attention to the areas between the toes.
OTHER ADVICE
See your ophthalmologist regularly. Maintain good dental hygiene and have regular check-ups at the dentist. Watch your blood pressure. Do not smoke. Take extra care when pregnant.
Dr. Juan Antonio Andreo Ramírez – ASSSA Medical Manager
The information published in this media neither substitutes nor complements in any way the direct supervision of a doctor, his diagnosis or the treatment that he may prescribe. It should also not be used for self-diagnosis.
The exclusive responsibility for the use of this service lies with the reader.
ASSSA advises you to always consult your doctor about any issue concerning your health.
