Empowering Diabetes Patient Life Management

Diabetes: Living with it is not Impossible

Diabetes is one of the diseases that is spreading rapidly all over the world. Unfortunately, it has become one of the leading causes of death around the world, along with cancer and heart disease. According to the World Health Organization, about 1.5 million people died from diabetes worldwide in 2019; diabetes caused 6.7 million deaths in 2021. It is estimated that 537 million people are currently living with diabetes worldwide. By 2045, this number is expected to rise to about 783 million people with diabetes worldwide.

Some may wonder about the secret of this widespread prevalence of diabetes, especially among children; but in fact it is not a secret, but rather it is simply the mismanagement of life in all its aspects. Starting with the dietary lifestyle that is based on fast food and processed foods, in addition to the lack of physical activity and exercise, and the lack of awareness of the dangers of this disease among many.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body uses sugar, requiring ongoing management to keep blood sugar levels within normal ranges. This requires lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity, as well as medications or insulin, depending on the condition. Therefore, a correct understanding of the disease and adherence to a treatment plan can help reduce the risks associated with it and improve quality of life.

From this standpoint, the importance of awareness initiatives and programs that target various members of society in general, and patients with the disease in particular, emerges, to educate them on the best ways to manage this disease, and how to avoid its complications that may reach the point of loss of life in the event of neglecting the necessary care.

Despite the seriousness of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, whose complications may reach the point of loss of life due to its profound impact on various organs of the body, living with the disease is not impossible. Expert advice and guidance play a vital role in enabling patients to acquire the skill of managing their disease and enjoying a normal life and avoiding complications. This naturally requires regular follow-up by the doctor and adherence to the instructions he provides to the patient, whether in terms of medication doses, lifestyles, or nutritional plans. At Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, we are always keen to design personal treatment plans that include several specialties, to empower patients with tools to manage their disease.

There is no doubt that such events that bring together patients, their families and caregivers, introduce us to the most important current developments and modern techniques for dealing with this disease. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Imperial College London Diabetes Centre for their awareness efforts and their continuous support for patients and members of the community.

Diabetes management and control does not only mean adhering to the medication plan; it also includes a complete self-care plan, determined with the help of the primary health care team (a doctor for each family and a health coach), according to the Saudi Ministry of Health website.

The plan includes the following steps:

• Controlling diabetes ABCs.
• Follow the healthy eating plan recommended by your nutritionist.
• Make physical activity part of your daily routine.
• Adherence to the medication plan as prescribed by the doctor.
• Measure your blood sugar levels regularly.
• Working with the health care team.
• Dealing with diabetes in a healthy way.

As for controlling the ABCs of diabetes, it means controlling blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and quitting smoking. Controlling these things reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other complications of diabetes.

The dietitian-recommended healthy eating plan includes special meals that help patients control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. It is also important to make physical activity a part of your daily routine, as it helps improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin, control blood sugar levels, and reduce your risk of heart disease and neuropathy. Brisk walking or swimming are good ways to increase your movement. If you are overweight or obese, talk to your healthcare provider about a weight loss plan. Your healthcare provider should also be consulted about the types and amounts of physical activity that are appropriate.

Also, you should stick to the medication plan set up by your healthcare provider as prescribed, even after you feel better and your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol targets are within normal ranges.

Checking your blood sugar every day is an important part of managing your diabetes, especially when you use insulin. Your blood sugar monitoring results can help you make decisions about food, physical activity, and medications.

Managing diabetes helps avoid complications of related diseases.

A diabetic patient should also work with her health care team to learn self-care for diabetes and take an active role in managing it to maintain the best possible blood sugar control, and also learn how to live life to the fullest and live with less stress.

Finally, it is important to manage diabetes in a healthy way. Feeling stressed, sad or angry is common when you are trying to live with diabetes, as stress increases your blood sugar levels. But you can learn ways to reduce stress, such as deep breathing, walking, meditation or doing a favourite hobby. You can also participate in an educational programme (such as the structured learning programme from Imperial College London Diabetes Centre) about diabetes, or a support group that teaches you stress management techniques.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a long-term disease that requires specific and strict medical and nutritional care, in order to avoid serious complications that may result from it, such as heart disease, kidney failure, etc. Adherence to some awareness and educational programs, such as the organized education program prepared by the Imperial College London Diabetes Center, helps in managing diabetes well and effectively.

FAQs

Q: What are the complications of diabetes?
A: The complications of diabetes include heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, eye damage, and foot damage.

Q: How can I manage my diabetes?
A: You can manage your diabetes by controlling your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and quitting smoking. You should also follow a healthy eating plan, make physical activity part of your daily routine, and stick to your medication plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Q: Why is it important to work with my healthcare team?
A: Working with your healthcare team is important because they can provide you with personalized guidance and support to help you manage your diabetes effectively.

Q: How can I reduce my stress levels?
A: You can reduce your stress levels by practicing deep breathing, walking, meditation, or doing a favorite hobby. You can also participate in an educational programme or support group that teaches you stress management techniques.