Diabetes Management

Today, there is no cure for diabetes, but effective treatment exists.  If you have access to the appropriate medication, quality of care and good medical advice, you should be able to lead an active and healthy life and reduce the risk of developing complications.

Good diabetes control means keeping your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. This can be achieved by a combination of the following:

Physical Activity: a goal of at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day (e.g. brisk walking, swimming, cycling, dancing) on most days of the week.

Body weight: weight loss improves insulin resistance, blood glucose and high lipid levels in the short term, and reduces blood pressure. It is important to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Healthy Eating: avoiding foods high in sugars and saturated fats, limit alcohol consumption, processed foods, instant, ready-to-eat food items with added chemicals to increase shelf life, carbonated drinks, food items from refined flour, candy and microwaved foods. Eat more of nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts, hazelnut, pecan), berries and fruits (strawberries, apples, peach, pears, apricots, blueberries, green and black grapes), green leafy vegetables or salads (spinach, broccoli, beans, roots and tubers), fish (cod, halibut, salmon), whole wheat and water.

Avoid tobacco: tobacco use is associated with more complications in people with diabetes.

Monitoring for complications: monitoring and early detection of complications is an essential part of good diabetes care. This includes regular foot and eye checks, controlling blood pressure and blood glucose, and assessing risks for cardiovascular and kidney disease.

1.29 minutes Diabetes animation

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