Living with diabetes

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be overwhelming, both for the patients and their families. Newly diagnosed patients may feel scared, angry, upset, embarrassed, frustrated and even depressed because of the major health and lifestyle implications it can cause.

One key approach in dealing with diabetes is to keep in mind that it is a manageable condition. Get diabetics on the right track by helping them make important lifestyle changes and effectively manage their condition.

The family should be the main support group and help foster awareness of the disease and create positive attitudes. Family members should openly talk about the disease to allay diabetics' fears and help them manage their expectations. It is important for family members to learn about the condition, its treatment, management and other relevant information.

It is essential for the family to be the key advocate for a healthy lifestyle. Families usually eat meals together, and there should be a mindful and collective effort in planning and preparing healthy foods. Meals should be low in fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar content. Family members should also avoid buying and serving foods that are not advisable for diabetics.

It is also helpful to organise weekly physical activities for the family in order to maintain an active lifestyle. Every member of the family should make an effort to accompany a diabetic in exercising or playing sports.

Other family members may also be at risk of developing the disease if preventive measures are not taken. They should take proactive measures such as regular consultation with doctors.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you have diabetes.

Self-management: You are mainly accountable for yourself in diabetes management. The advice and prescriptions of health-care professionals will not be sufficient if you do not make the needed lifestyle changes in your everyday life. Ensure you eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. It is important for diabetics to have smaller and more frequent meals at regular intervals.

Focus on positives: It is not easy having diabetes, but don't be too hard on yourself. Diabetes management involves a great amount of patience and acceptance. Managing the condition can have positive effects on your well-being because you become more aware of your body and health. Make it a part of your life; it should not be considered as a burden and hindrance in living a normal and happy life. As you learn to manage diabetes, it will be easier for you and your family to deal with the condition and live life to the fullest.

Evolving treatment and management: There is ongoing research and development in the treatment and management of diabetes — as well as prevention — so it is important to keep abreast of these advancements. However, it is advisable that you consult either your doctor, endocrinologist or nutritionist before trying out anything new.

Be consistent: Because you feel better after a while, it doesn't mean that you should stop the medication and the healthy lifestyle. Make sure you regularly check your blood sugar level, as well as your cholesterol level and weight. Consistent checking of your blood sugar level makes you aware of what kind of food and activity affects your levels.

Lifestyle: Lifestyle change is key in diabetes management. Healthy meals and regular physical activities can significantly contribute to maintaining a stable blood glucose level. Through these positive changes, complications brought about by diabetes can be prevented. Choose to make the right decisions. Decide to enjoy life and make the right choices. Every choice you make leads you closer to your goals.

— The writer is a spokesperson for Decide, an initiative launched by Modern Pharmaceutical Company with other health-care firms to raise awareness of diabetes and support diabetics. More details are at www.decidecommunity.com