Diabetes tips: At home care for diabetic patients

Diabetes should be managed by the whole family of patient because it needs a lot of emotional and technical, economical, social help from other members. Here are some tips by health experts on home care for diabetic patients

Diabetes care is quite different from other traditional illnesses as it is inherently a lifestyle disease. Surgeries and expensive one-time solutions will provide little support hence, it helps to think about the small-scale changes you can make to enjoy your life while dealing with diabetes. Your family's support is just as important – the meals you have, the treats you indulge in and even your daily cup of tea must be tweaked slightly.

Diabetes tips: At home care for diabetic patients (Kampus Production)

Additionally, knowledge is your best friend. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Prof Dr Anu Gaikwad, MBBBS, MD MED, Physician, Diabetologist at Dr DY Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre in Pune's Pimpri, insisted, “Diabetes should be managed by the whole family of patient because it needs a lot of emotional and technical, economical, social help from other members.” Since diabetes is a chronic, progressive metabolic disorder, he suggested the following at home care for diabetic patients:

• Diet

-Low carbohydrate, high protein and high fibre which should include a lot of vitamins and minerals.

-Green leafy vegetables, low G index fruits.

-No sugar, jaggery, honey, high calorie food like potato, sweet potato, rice should be avoided.

• Exercise

-Walking, jogging, cycling, swimming resistance exercise like weight lifting should be decided by the general conditions of the patient.

Yoga and pranayama-

-Kapalbhati, anulomvilom, bhastrika

-Asanas- vajrasana, markatasana, pawanmuktasana, mandukasana, padmottanasana

• Stress Management

-By meditation and loving games.

-If BSL is not in control then tablet/insulin.

-SMBG- Self monitoring of blood glucose is very important. Patient and relatives should be able to check blood sugar and taking insulin.

-Relatives and patient- should be recognise acute complications of diabetes like- hyperglycemic, Diabetic ketoacidosis.

-If not feeling well or during sick days instead of continuing same medicine or totally stopping the medicine- should take tablet or insulin by frequent SMBG.

-At home should be able to take care of good personal hygiene and prevent from any trauma/complications.

-Be in touch with the doctor for good control and avoid complications of diabetes.

Bringing his expertise to the same, Aman Puri, Founder of Steadfast Nutrition, suggested:

1st tip: Choose healthy and eat healthy

Diabetes diet involves choosing the right food in the right proportion. People with diabetes should eat more fibre like fruits and vegetables, include good quality and quantity of proteins such as eggs, fish, chicken, pulses, milk, cottage cheese in their diet, take more complex carbohydrates instead of simple ones such as oats, barley, broken wheat, flattened rice, and include good fats (flax seeds and nuts). Eat more home-cooked food, which is full of calories and devoid of nutrients.

2nd tip: Exercise regularly everyday

Research suggests that people with diabetes should do moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes a week and vigorous aerobic exercise thrice a week. Aerobic exercise at home can include climbing stairs, gardening, Zumba/dancing, skipping rope and a brisk walk on terrace.

3rd tip: Monitor blood sugar levels

Self testing is an important tool for managing diabetes and preventing complications as it gives a pattern in any fluctuations of blood glucose that may occur because of an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, or stress. One can test their blood sugar at home through a portable electronic device called glucometer.

Aniruddha Sen, Co-Founder of Kenko Health, advised, “Keep an eye out for symptoms in you or your loved ones that might indicate a spike in sugar levels. Regular blood tests will help you track your progress and help you make adjustments every few months. Similarly, commit to your medication and understand that it only exists to help you bring the illness under control.”

He added, “Be mindful of your costs as diabetes can gradually become a rather expensive illness. Sugar substitutes, medicines and lab tests are not cheap but they are necessary. Get the right healthcare provider to help you save on day-to-day expenses and not exploit your illness. Keep and use sugar-level monitors at home, and give yourself a regimen that allows you to enjoy the sweet pleasures of life without the bitterness of this disease. Diabetes gives you the control to decide how you want to live your life. Every act of patience and mindfulness at home can make a difference.”