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The Main Considerations In Diabetes Counseling

By Lisa Cole


Diabetes is a serious metabolic condition that is caused by disorders in insulin production and utilization. Lack of insulin in the body is associated with increased levels of blood sugar, a phenomenon that may lead to both acute and chronic complications. Since patients have to be on some form of treatment for their entire lives, there is a need to take the patients through counseling. We will look at the main areas to consider in diabetes counseling.

The process of counseling is more of an educative session. It is meant to help the patients understand the condition better and how best they can live with. It should be done on a continuous basis since the disease tends to progress with time. It has been observed that patients that undergo regular consoling are likely to be more adherent to drugs and other forms of treatment that are prescribed.

Like many chronic illnesses, emotional health is an important part of treatment for this condition. Most cases of type 2 diabetes are made in adulthood and one of the biggest challenges that this brings with it is adjustment of the individual to the diagnosis. This is a possible trigger for stress and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients will benefit from the services of a mental health expert.

There is a need to emphasize on the importance of having the right diet booth for type 1 and 2 diabetics. This ensures that the blood sugar levels are maintained within a normal range. Persons with diabetes should avoid taking sweetened drinks and sugary snacks. These have a high glycemic index which means that they have a potential to drastically increase blood sugar levels. The ideal diet contains lots of fruits, fresh vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.

Patients should understand that putting on excess weight is detrimental to the successful management of their condition. One of the effects of being overweight or obese is the fact that it increases the risk of insulin resistance. Losing weight, on the other, hand helps reduce the HBA1c which is the long term indicator of blood sugar levels. The caloric intake per day should not exceed 800.

Regular physical exercise has numerous benefits. One of the direct benefits is weight loss which is desired change among diabetics. The other benefit is that increased muscular contraction experienced during physical activity increases the tissue uptake of glucose and this reduces the blood levels. Physical exercise that is deemed to be beneficial is that which includes intense sessions of not less than 30 minutes for at least 5 days in a week.

Patients that consume alcohol (especially in high quantities and on a regular basis) should be counseled on the same. In general, alcoholic beverages should be markedly or completely avoided if possible. Alcohol intake results in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations are much more erratic in persons taking oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin. This is because the liver is overwhelmed by the metabolism of alcohol and cannot adequately break down these drugs.

Persons with diabetes are advised to have regular follow up clinic visits. This will make it possible to determine whether or not their treatment is optimal. In addition, they will undergo screening for any other chronic conditions associated with the condition as well as screening for possible complications.




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