Several key points you must know about home care for diabetic patients!

Because many people nowadays often stay up late and like to eat takeout supper, especially young people who hardly cook at home, many people have developed endocrine diseases. Diabetes has become younger, and we must pay attention to diabetes, otherwise the complications will be very scary. Many middle-aged and elderly people are also at high risk of diabetes, especially those with underlying diseases and those who are bedridden all year round. Due to their old age, poor metabolism and poor blood sugar control, they develop a variety of diseases. So what are the home care methods for diabetic patients?

1. Causes of diabetes

(1) Genetic factors: Type 1 diabetes is related to some specific genes, but environmental factors also play a role in its development.

(2) Insulin resistance: In people with type 2 diabetes, the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a process known as insulin resistance. This results in the inability of insulin to effectively carry blood sugar into the cells, causing blood sugar levels to rise.

(3) Insufficient insulin secretion: Over time, insulin secretion may gradually decrease, making blood sugar control more difficult.

(4) Lifestyle factors: Obesity, lack of exercise, poor eating habits and other lifestyle factors are closely related to the risk of type 2 diabetes.

2. Key points of home care for diabetes

(1) Diet management:

Make sure the patient follows a proper eating plan that controls carbohydrate intake, focuses on high-fiber foods, and limits sugar and saturated fat intake.

Try to avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar, and choose fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Help patients control their food intake and meal times to avoid overeating or excessive hunger.

(2) Medication management:

Make sure patients take prescribed medications on time and use insulin or oral medications correctly as recommended by their doctor.

Monitor your blood sugar levels, record your blood sugar values ​​regularly, and discuss any abnormalities with your doctor promptly.

(3) Exercise regularly:

Patients are encouraged to engage in appropriate physical exercise, such as walking, swimming, yoga, etc., to help control blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight.

Make sure the exercise plan is consistent with the patient's physical condition and the doctor's recommendations.

Monitor health status:

(4) Measure blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight regularly, and record the data for doctor’s evaluation.

Observe the patient for any signs of complications of diabetes, such as vision problems, infections, etc., and report them to the doctor promptly.

3. What should diabetic patients eat on a daily basis?

(1) Vegetables:

Most vegetables are a good choice for diabetics, especially green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, celery, etc. They are rich in fiber and vitamins and low in calories.

(2) Fruits:

Choose low-sugar fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, citrus fruits, apples, etc. Avoid high-sugar fruits such as bananas, grapes, durian, etc.

(3) Whole grains:

Choose fiber-rich whole grain foods such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats, and whole wheat pasta to help control blood sugar.

(4) Beans and protein foods:

Beans rich in protein and fiber, such as tofu, chickpeas, black beans, etc., are beneficial for diabetics. Chicken, fish, nuts and eggs are also good sources of protein.

(5) Low-fat dairy products:

Choose low-fat dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese, but pay attention to the sugar content. It is best to choose sugar-free or low-sugar products.

(6) Healthy fats:

Eating healthy fats such as olive oil, fish oil, nuts, seeds, etc. can help maintain cardiovascular health.

4. How to correctly measure blood sugar for diabetic patients at home

(1) Preparation:

Make sure the measuring instrument (glucose meter) is in good working condition, the batteries are sufficient, and the test strips are not expired.

Wash your hands and clean your fingers with warm water to ensure accuracy and avoid foreign matter interfering with the test.

(2) Prepare test equipment:

Insert the new test strip into the blood glucose meter and set the date and time correctly according to the instrument manual.

(3) Blood collection:

Choose a clean fingertip and use the piercer to obtain a drop of blood from the fingertip. You can gently massage the finger to promote blood flow.

(4) Testing:

Place the blood sample on the indicated position on the test strip and wait for the blood glucose meter to display the result. Wait for the test time according to the instructions of the blood glucose meter.

(5) Record the results:

Keep a record of your measurements, including the time of measurement and the blood sugar level. This record is important for adjusting your treatment plan and discussing blood sugar control with your doctor.

5. Summary

Diabetic patients need to pay special attention to controlling the intake of carbohydrates, sugars and fats in their daily diet to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It is very important for diabetic patients to measure blood sugar correctly at home to monitor blood sugar levels and adjust treatment plans. Most of the so-called diabetes is caused by improper diet and lack of exercise. Patients should choose a suitable exercise method if their body allows, and exercise after meals every day to control blood sugar on the one hand and keep the functions of various parts of the body healthy on the other.

Author: Huo Chunli Qian'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital