🩺 1. Understanding the Disease
Diabetes means your body is not able to use sugar properly, leading to high blood glucose levels.
The aim of treatment is to keep your blood sugar close to normal to prevent long-term complications affecting eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and feet.
It is a manageable condition, not a life sentence.
🍛 2. Diet and Nutrition
Eat small, frequent meals (3 major + 2–3 small snacks).
Avoid refined sugar, sweets, honey, jaggery, sugary drinks, and desserts.
Reduce carbohydrates (especially white rice, maida, white bread).
Prefer whole grains, millets, oats, brown rice, chapatis made from whole wheat.
Eat plenty of vegetables, especially green leafy and non-starchy ones.
Include protein in every meal (dal, sprouts, paneer, eggs, fish, chicken).
Limit oil intake (avoid fried food). Prefer olive oil, mustard oil, or groundnut oil.
Avoid alcohol and quit smoking.
Stay hydrated with water; avoid juices and soft drinks.
drinks.
🏃♂️ 3. Physical Activity
Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5–6 days a week (brisk walk, cycling, swimming, etc.).
Avoid long sedentary periods; get up every 30–45 minutes.
Always check blood sugar before and after exercise if on insulin or sulfonylureas (to avoid hypoglycemia).
💊 4. Medications
Take prescribed medicines regularly at the same time every day.
Never skip or double the dose without doctor’s advice.
Learn names, doses, and timing of each medicine.
🩸 5. Blood Sugar Monitoring
Learn how to use a glucometer.
Keep a logbook of readings (fasting, post-meal, bedtime).
Typical targets (may vary individually):
Fasting: 80–130 mg/dL
2-hour post-meal: <180 mg/dL
Regular lab checks: HbA1c every 3 months (goal <7%, or individualized).
⚠️ 6. Recognizing Hypoglycemia (Low Sugar)
Symptoms: sweating, shakiness, dizziness, hunger, confusion, palpitations.
If it occurs, take 15 g of fast sugar (like glucose tablet, fruit juice, or sugar in water).
Recheck after 15 minutes and repeat if still low.
Always carry a sugar source and ID card stating you are diabetic.
👣 7. Foot Care
Inspect feet daily for cracks, sores, or redness.
Wash and dry feet carefully, especially between toes.
Use soft footwear; never walk barefoot.
Cut nails straight across; see a doctor for any wound or infection.
👁️🦰 8. Regular Check-ups
Eye check (fundus exam) — yearly.
Kidney function (urine microalbumin) — yearly.
Blood pressure, lipid profile, ECG — at least annually.
Dental and foot examination regularly.
❤️ 9. Lifestyle & Mindset
Maintain healthy weight (BMI 18.5–24.9).
Manage stress with yoga, meditation, or hobbies.
Get adequate sleep.
Family should be educated about recognizing low/high sugar signs.
📘 10. Follow-Up & Education
Visit your doctor regularly for dose adjustments.
Attend diabetes education sessions if available.
Keep emergency numbers handy.
