3. Know how to manage diabetes and take control
The third key message links directly to the slogan for this year’s campaign, "Understand Diabetes and Take Control"
Understand
Diabetes is difficult. It demands life-long control and management by the person who has diabetes as well as by his or her family. Blood-glucose needs to be measured, medication taken, eating habits need to be adjusted and exercise should be done regularly.
The quality of life of a person with diabetes is closely linked to lifestyle and preventive care. Poor management of diabetes may result in reduced health outcomes and an increased likelihood of developing complications. Education is therefore crucial in the prevention of diabetes complications and central to the World Diabetes Day campaign.
The challenges of accessing proper diabetes education vary in different parts of the world depending on the health infrastructure and availability to the population.
Regardless, The World Diabetes Day campaign promotes the importance of structured diabetes education programmes as key to the prevention and control of diabetes and advocate for increased opportunities for diabetes education within healthcare systems and communities.
Manage and control your diabetes
When it comes to diabetes management, blood sugar control is often the central theme. After all, keeping your blood sugar level within your target range can help you live a long and healthy life with diabetes. But do you know what makes your blood sugar level rise and fall? The list may surprise you.
Food
Healthy eating is a cornerstone of any diabetes management plan. But it is not just what you eat that affects your blood sugar level. How much you eat and when you eat also matters.
Exercise
Physical activity is another important part of your diabetes management plan. When you exercise, your muscles use sugar (glucose) for energy. Regular physical activity also improves your body's response to insulin. These factors work together to lower your blood sugar level. The more strenuous your workout, the longer the effect lasts. But even light activities — such as housework, gardening or being on your feet for extended periods — can lower your blood sugar level.
Medication
Insulin and other diabetes medications are designed to lower your blood sugar level. But the effectiveness of these medications depends on the timing and size of the dose. And any medications you take for conditions other than diabetes can also affect your blood sugar level.
Illness
When you are sick, your body produces hormones to help fight the illness. These hormones raise your blood sugar level by preventing insulin from working effectively. This can help promote healing — and derail your diabetes management plan.
Alcohol
The liver normally releases stored sugar to counteract falling blood sugar levels. But if your liver is busy metabolising alcohol, your blood sugar level may not get the boost it needs. If you take insulin or oral diabetes medications, even as little as two drinks can cause low blood sugar.
Hormone levels
As your hormone levels fluctuate during your menstrual cycle, so can your blood sugar levels — particularly in the week before your period. Menopause may trigger fluctuations in your blood sugar level as well.
Stress
If you are stressed, it is easy to abandon your usual diabetes management routine. You might exercise less, eat fewer healthy foods or test your blood sugar less often — and lose control of your blood sugar in the process. The hormones your body may produce in response to prolonged stress may even prevent insulin from working properly, which only makes matters worse.
Diabetes management requires awareness. Know what makes your blood sugar level rise and fall — and how to control these day-to-day factors.
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