Diabetes mellitus is the term used to describe a group of diseases that affect your body’s ability to process sugar. Glucose is vital to your health because it provides energy to the muscles and other tissue in your body. However, too much or too little sugar in your body can result in a wide range of health problems.
SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES
Some of the common signs of types 1 and 2 diabetes include the following:
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Increased thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Frequent urination
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
- Unexplained weight loss
When your diabetes is left untreated, you may experience the following health problems:
- Stroke
- Eye problems
- Nerve damage
- Kidney failure
- Teeth problems
HOW TO MANAGE YOUR DIABETES ACCORDING TO A NUTRITIONIST
Managing your diabetes can help you feeling your best. Below are some of the usual experiences of patients who have learned how to manage their condition:
- More energy
- Less fatigue
- Fewer trips to the bathroom
- Faster and better healing
- Fewer skin and bladder infections
The key to achieving these results is to make a plan that incorporates the right kind of lifestyle changes. A nutritionist can help with this. In many cases, you can manage your diabetes with good nutrition, maintaining a healthy weight, and increasing your physical activity.
1. Nutrition
What, when, and how much you eat are all vital to managing your diabetes. A nutritionist can help develop the right meal plan for you. A balanced diet includes whole-grain foods, low-fat dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. You also will need fish, lean meat, or meat alternatives. Furthermore, you should pay attention to the following:
- Consuming fewer carbohydrates
- Choosing lower-fat options
- Reducing saturated fats
- Using sugar in moderation
- Checking nutrition labels
- Getting enough fiber
- Drinking plenty of water
- Using less salt
2. Weight
Being overweight is something most patients with Type 2 diabetes have in common. Being overweight or obese can make managing your diabetes difficult. With proper advice from your nutritionist, you should be able to maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of developing complications of diabetes such as stroke, heart disease, and cancer.
3. Physical Activity
Physical activity can also help you maintain a healthy weight – and help your body process insulin better, improving your diabetes symptoms. Exercise can also boost brain activity and help you better manage stress.
4. Checking Your Blood Sugar and Pressure
Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels and blood pressure can help you and your healthcare provider identify any patterns that require medical intervention. These measurements are also used to identify whether your particular nutrition and exercise regimen is working.
5. Caring for Your Feet
Proper nutrition can help you address the issue of diabetic foot ulcers. At the same time, you should always check your feet for wounds or sores and keep them clean to avoid infection.
6. Regular Checkups
Regular visits to your doctor can help you monitor your diabetes. Your doctor and nutritionist can make any adjustments to your treatment plan at the earliest sign of problems.
NUTRITIONIST FOR DIABETES MANAGEMENT IN OHIO
Having too much or too little glucose in your body can lead to severe health problems. You may experience fatigue, slow-healing sores, or unexplained weight loss. These are just some of the common symptoms of diabetes. Left untreated, diabetes may lead to other medical complications like stroke, kidney failure, and nerve damage. However, working with a nutritionist can help you avoid these problems.
Visit us at Wooster Community Hospital if you have any questions or concerns about our medical services, including the management of chronic conditions like diabetes. Our staff and experienced doctors are happy to help. Call us at (330) 263-8196 or request an appointment now.