Diabetes Education
Diabetes could be described as a condition that affects how the body uses food. Most of the food people eat changes, and it becomes sugar, which then becomes energy. A diabetes diet incorporates the healthiest foods in moderate amounts, and one has to stick to the regular mealtimes. A diabetes diet is a healthy-eating plan that is naturally rich in nutrients and low in calories and fat. Of on has prediabetes and diabetes, the doctor may recommend seeing a dietitian come up with a healthy- eating plan. Diabetes is made up of healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, and legumes. A person should avoid the healthy carbohydrates that have added sodium, sugars, and fats (Powers et al., 2016). The diet must also be rich in fibers such as nuts, fruit, and whole grains to control blood sugar levels. Good fats such as canola, avocados, and not are important in lowering cholesterol levels, and heart-healthy fish such as salmon and tuna should be taken at least twice a week. A diabetes patient should avoid excessive intake of sodium, cholesterol, Trans fat, and saturated fats.
Some medications could cause Diabetes. Statins are medications that help to lower cholesterol levels. Higher doses of Statins have been linked to higher risks of type 2 diabetes. Other medications that increase the risk of developing type 2 Diabetes are Thiazide diuretics, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and corticosteroids (Powers et al., 2016). Beta-blockers reduce a person’s sensitivity to insulin while others increase insulin levels, but the body cannot use it effectively. It is possible to reduce the risk of getting diabetes when taking medications. It can be done by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The patient can also be on smaller doses of this medication or take them within shorter periods. The doctors can try to come up with smaller and effective doses to reduce complications like diabetes.
Reference
Powers, M. A., Bardsley, J., Cypress, M., Duker, P., Funnell, M. M., Fischl, A. H., Maryniuk, M. D., Siminerio, L., & Vivian, E. (2016). Diabetes Self-management Education and Support in Type 2 Diabetes: A Joint Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Clinical diabetes: a publication of the American Diabetes Association, 34(2), 70–80. https://doi.org/10.2337/diaclin.34.2.70