Page 27 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 1_2024

Initiative
HEALTH
simple carbs. diabetes require daily insulin injections to “Your doctor is your best resource for
Step 2 Recheck your blood sugar after survive. There are various types of insulin information about living with diabetes.
15 minutes, if possible. available in South Africa. Type 2 diabetes However, while your healthcare team
Step 3 If you still feel the symptoms of low is controlled through exercise and meal will advise and support you, how well
blood sugar, repeat step 1. planning and may require diabetes tablets your diabetes is managed depends on
Step 4 Once you return to normal, eat and\or insulin to assist the body in making you.
a small snack, if your next planned small or using insulin more effectively. Talk to
meal or snack is more than an hour away. your doctor about the best treatment option Use the resources available to
Step 5 If you continue to experience signs for you, as well as the all-important empower yourself to improve your
of low blood sugar – contact your doctor cost considerations of different treatments. metabolic control, increase fitness
or emergency health services immediately. • Lifestyle management - Learning to levels and manage weight loss and
reduce stress levels in daily living can help other cardiovascular disease risk
15 grams of carbs = Any of the following: people manage their blood glucose levels. factors, which in turn will improve your
• 4 glucose tablets (follow package Smoking is particularly dangerous for sense of well-being and quality of life,”
instructions). people with diabetes, or for anyone. concludes Dr Molefe-Osman.
• 1 gel tube (follow package instructions).
• 2 tablespoons of raisins or 1 tablespoon of
honey or syrup.
• ½ a cup of juice or non-diet soda or 1 cup
of non-fat 1% milk.
• 3 – 5 hardboiled sweets, jellybeans or
gumdrops.

TRACK YOUR SYMPTOMS
When managing long-term health
conditions, you may find it helpful to keep
track of any symptoms you experience such
as pain, fatigue, insomnia or nausea. What
makes them worse? What makes them
better? How do medications, foods, activities,
people, and stresses affect you?
You can also keep track of numbers that
affect your symptoms, like blood pressure
or blood sugar readings. Bring your logs
to appointments and share them with your
healthcare provider and with your family.
Consider asking your family for their thoughts
about your log and what they have noticed
about your symptoms.
GET MOVING & TAKE CARE
Above all be healthy, active and look
after your heart. It doesn’t have to be a
complicated routine. Even a small increase
in daily physical activity can make a big MYTHS AND FACTS
difference. While some risk factors for • Being on insulin will not disrupt your daily routine.
diabetes such as age, ethnicity and family • Insulin does not cause complications such as blindness. Along with
history can’t be changed, many other risk other medications, it helps to reduce complications by controlling your
factors such as managing your weight, eating blood sugar level.
healthy foods in the right quantities and • Insulin is not an addictive drug!
exercising regularly can be managed. • Starting insulin does not mean you are failing to take care of your
diabetes. For many people with Type 2 diabetes, the body gradually
According to Diabetes South Africa there produces less and less of its own insulin. Eventually, oral medications
are various aspects to good diabetes may not be enough to keep blood sugar levels normal. Using insulin to
management including: keep a healthy level is the responsible thing to do for your own health.
• Education - Knowing about diabetes
is an essential first step. All people THE LAST WORD by Dr Molefe-Osman
with diabetes need to understand their The best approach is to be methodical in your planning, and to work out
condition in order to make healthy lifestyle a daily programme that keeps you on track and becomes part of your
choices and manage their diabetes well. routine. Your healthcare provider or diabetes educator is also a very
• Healthy eating - There is no such thing important source of information due to their experience, so don’t be afraid
as a ‘diabetic diet’, only a healthy way of to engage with them about your concerns, no matter how minor you may
eating, which is recommended for everyone. think they are,” says. “The fact is that, with proper management, you can
However, what, when and how much you eat overcome the challenges and turn your diabetic journey into a success
plays an important role in regulating how well story. Know the value of building a support system around you because
your body manages blood glucose levels. diabetes requireshealthcare providers, daily attention and commitment –
It’s a good idea to visit a registered dietician and often involves your whole family.”
who can help you work out a meal plan that is
suitable for your lifestyle.
• Exercise - Regular exercise helps REFERENCES
your body lower blood glucose levels, 1. https://www.idf.org/our-network/regions-members/africa/members/25-south-africa
promotes weight loss, reduces stress and 2. https://www.idf.org/about-diabetes/what-is-diabetes.html
enhances overall fitness. 3. https://www.lillydiabetes.co.za/en/site/why-insulin/what-is-insulin.html
• Weight management - Maintaining a 4. https://www.lillydiabetes.co.za/en/site/why-insulin/myths-facts.html
healthy weight is especially important in 5. https://www.lillydiabetes.co.za/en/site/hypoglycemia/how-to-identify-hypoglycemia.html
the control of Type 2 diabetes. 6. https://www.lillydiabetes.co.za/en/site/hypoglycemia/how-to-treat-hypoglycemia.html
• Medication - People with Type 1 7. http://www.diabetessa.org.za/are-you-at-risk/

26 DPL issue 1 2024 DPL issue 1 2024 27