The three main aspects of treatment of diabetes
Self-testing - an important record for therapy
A lifestyle that is right for people with diabetes includes self-testing of the urine and blood sugar and keeping a reliable record of the results in a notebook. If necessary, the doctor can make adjustments to the therapy based on this information. Your doctor or your diabetes counsellor will explain how you can control your blood sugar level and how to curb any complications.
Weight-watching - the be-all and end-all of successful treatment
Almost all type-II people with diabetes are overweight. Eating sensibly and losing weight are the most important factors in the treatment. Medication can also be important. However, it is often possible to bring raised serum lipids and blood sugar levels back to normal with a steady loss of weight and healthy eating habits.
Enjoyment can be healthy
A diabetic diet is healthy, balanced and ample. It contains the right amount of complex carbohydrates for individual needs, an adequate amount of fibre and relatively little protein. There must be as little fat as possible, and then only with a high proportion of polyunsaturated. Finally there has to be sufficient vitamins and minerals and very little salt. Simple carbohydrates such as sugar, are to be avoided.
How to keep life sweet
Most people with diabetes find it difficult to cut out sweet foods. It is totally unnecessary to do so, since using sweeteners in place of sugar can lend the desired sweetness to many foods and drinks without increasing their energy content and without having any effect on the blood sugar level.
Watch out for those hidden calories
Thanks to sweeteners, it is not too difficult to cut out sugary foods and drinks, but do be careful with sugar substitutes such as Sorbitol, Xylitol and Isomalt, which are often used in confectionery and diet foods. Although they are 'sugar free', they are not carbohydrate free. It must be taken into account that every gram contains about 2.4 calories. In addition, sugar substitutes can - sometimes even in small amounts - cause flatulence and diarrhoea.
Exercise and sport
For type-II people with diabetes who are not being treated with insulin, physical
exercise and playing sports are important factors in successful treatment.
Using the muscles improves circulation, aids weight reduction and has a
highly beneficial effect on the blood sugar level. Insulin-dependent people with diabetes
can also benefit from sport and physical exertion, as long as their insulin
level is well under control and ready in advance for the extra activity.
All types of stamina training, during which the pulse rate is markedly raised
for at least 20 minutes, are particularly effective.
