Day to Day with Diabetes
Medication
Over 90% of diabetes management is based on self-management. Many people who need medicines as part of their treatment do not know what their medicines are, how the medicines can help them or why it is important to comply with their medication as prescribed. This can be fatal.
Below are vital questions you can ask about the medicine prescribed for you.
- What is the medicine for?
- What does it do?
- How and when should I take it---a) before food, after food?
- What time of the day should I take it?
- Should it be taken before or after food?
- Is it okay to take it with other medicines?
- How will it affect my every day life?
- What should I do if side effects occur?
- Ask when the treatment plan is due for a review, if you have a long-term condition.
No matter how well you feel, DO NOT stop your medication without medical advice.
Physical Activity
Physical activities and exercises are good for you. Why not try some simple things every day:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Riding a bicycle
- Jogging
- Light house chores.
Eat well
- Eat regular meals. Don’t miss any meals.
- Eat variety, small portions of foods, like cereals, bread, pasta, rice (preferable brown or wholemeal), potatoes, fruit and vegetables.
- They will help your body to stay healthy.
Smoking
About 1 in 7 of deaths in the UK is caused by diabetes. Half of these are from cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes and smoking is a deadly combination. This is because smoking can increase your risk of becoming diabetic or if you have diabetes already, smoking can cause serious health problems.
Some of the complications associated with smoking include:
- Increase in the risk of premature death
- Smoking by pregnant women increase the risk of the baby developing Type 2 diabetes in later life
- Diabetes is better managed and controlled if you do not smoke.
- When you stop smoking, blood pressure reduces immediately and the level of cholesterol in the blood drops.
- The benefits of stopping smoking are far higher than reducing weight through smoking
- Smoking increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
- Smoking increases the risk of blood circulation problems.
It may not be easy to stop smoking but if you need help talk to your Diabetes team or Community Smoking Cessation Advisor.
Alcohol
If you want to drink, you can , but in moderation. There is no need to give up alcohol because of being diabetic.
But if you are on any other medication, not just the diabetes medication, always check with the doctor if you can still drink.
You still need to follow the recommended guidelines which are no more than 3 units for men and 2 units for women.
ONE UNIT: HALF PINT OF BEER OR STANDARD GLASS OF WINE
If you are trying to lose weight, you can only have an occasional drink because alcohol contains calories.
Alcohol can make you have hypoglycaemia if you are taking sulphonylureas (e.g. tolbutamide, chlorpropamide, gliclazide, glibenclamide, glipizide) or insulin. Therefore, remember never to drink on an empty stomach.
Being Ill
If you are ill or have a cold, you still need to take your diabetes medication if you are on them. This is very important.
- Drink lots of water
- Have plenty of rest and see your GP.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet with lots of vitamin C.
Regular Check-ups
It is important to have regular check-ups.
- You can see any of the professionals depending on what your concerns are.
- You should see a doctor at least once a year for a full check-up.
- You can tell the doctor if you have any problems with your diabetes affecting any part of your body.