A new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes means it’s the start of a long battle.
Learn to live with it.
It involves management and control of blood glucose level, lifestyle modification, medicine, and/or insulin therapy. Thankfully, this ‘battle’ doesn’t have to be a tough one. It is possible to live a healthy and happy life even with a diabetes diagnosis.
In the USA, there are over 34.2 million people with diabetes; that’s 10.5 percent of the total population. Many of them are living a normal life.
So, if you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, just learn the measures that need to be taken, BUT don’t panic and Don’t stress. (Stress increases the blood sugar level)
Here are answers to 10 common questions newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients have:
1.What’s the normal glucose level for a diabetic patient?
Fasting blood sugar levels less than 100mg/dL is normal. Reading between 100 and 125 mg/dL is borderline (called pre-diabetes). 126 mg/dL and above signals
diabetes.
Postprandial blood sugar level less than 140 mg/dL is normal. Reading between 141 and 200 mg/dL is borderline or pre-diabetes. 200 mg/dL and above signals
diabetes.
Besides, a random blood sugar test – irrespective of when you last ate – should always be less than 200 mg/dL. But if you are already diagnosed with the disease, your doctor would set new targets for you, and this new target will depend on your existing condition, as well as other factors.
2. Should I stop eating sugar altogether?
Although you must be careful about your intake of added sugar, you don’t have to entirely eliminate it from your diet.
Understand that sugar doesn’t ‘directly’ cause diabetes. It contains too many calories, which adds to your body weight. And the more weight you put on, the worse your diabetes will get.
Hence, you should limit food and drinks that have added sugar.
3. Do I need to take insulin dosage?
It depends on your existing condition and what your doctor recommends.
The first line of defense against diabetes is always lifestyle modification. If it’s not working well in reducing the blood sugar level, then medication is prescribed. If that too isn’t working, the doctor would usually recommend insulin dosages.
To answer this question, we would say, “It depends on how high your blood sugar is and what your doctor suggests”.
4. Can I reverse diabetes?
Diabetes cannot be cured. However, it can be rigorously controlled through weight loss and dietary changes. So, yes, for some people, it’s possible to reverse diabetes; to lower their blood sugar level – and maintain that level – without medication.
5. How can I lower my blood glucose level quickly?
The first rule is to not let your blood glucose level spike too high in the first place. So, avoid a high-carb diet. But if the level has increased, go for a walk; walk for at least half an hour. Drink more water. Take a hot bath.
Stay prepared by asking your doctor the right action plan. Based on your existing conditions and diabetes care and management plan, your doctor would tell you exactly what you should do if your blood glucose level spikes.
6. What lifestyle modifications do I need to make?
•Lose excess weight – especially the deposited fat in the belly
•Exercise at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes every day
•After meals, go on a walk
•Have more fiber in your diet
•Avoid foods that would make add weight
•Start doing yoga and/or meditation to lower your stress level
•Manage your daily calorie intake
7. Will taking my medicine correct the glucose level?
Different people respond differently to diabetes medications.
Ideally, after taking the medicine, within a time frame, the blood sugar level should come down. But it isn’t assured. This means, relying on medicine alone isn’t sufficient. Medicine will only work effectively when you’re also mixing it with proper diet and adequate exercise.
So, taking medicine alone isn’t guaranteed to control your diabetes. A lot of factors come into play here.
8. What are the symptoms of high blood sugar level?
There are several signs of an increased blood sugar level. It includes:
•Increase in thirst
•Urinating frequently
•Nausea
•Dry mouth
•Fruit-like breath odor
•Fatigue
•Blurred vision
•Rapid heartbeat
However, if you do see these signs, they do not necessarily mean a high blood sugar level. There could be other reasons as well. You should visit a medical facility for proper diagnosis.
9. What long-term complication can type 2 diabetes cause?
Diabetes is a progressive disease. If left unchecked, it can gradually lead to life-threatening complications. Some of which are kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, eye problems, hearing impairment, and more.
Plus, having diabetes may lead to psychological issues like stress and depression, which are often overlooked.
10. I feel fine. Do I still need to worry about my diabetes condition?
If your blood sugar level is more than what your doctor has set the target for, you have every reason to care about it. As mentioned, diabetes is a progressive disease. Depending on your age and condition, it might not cause any short-term complications.
But it sure is damaging your overall health, which would become evident and fatal in the long-run. Hence do not just focus on how you feel, instead note what your glucose monitor reads.
Have more questions?
These are answers to 10 common questions newly diagnosed diabetic patients ask.
Of course, there are other questions; different people have different concerns.
If you have any other questions, visit a good Charlotte community health clinic, and work with an endocrinologist to effectively manage your diabetes.
As mentioned earlier, it’s a big journey ahead – but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one.
https://www.diabetesresearch.org/diabetes-statistics
