Deccan Chronicle

Take charge of your diabetes

- Dr. Arun Mukka, Consultant Endocrinol­ogist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad

If you are living with diabetes and controllin­g your sugar levels is something that you would like to master, then we have some expert tips that can significan­tly help you to achieve the desired blood sugar control. The expert tip is to remain discipline­d by following a practice called ‘GlucoVigil­ance’.

WHAT IS GLUCOVIGIL­ANCE?

GlucoVigil­ance in simple words means to remain vigilant about your blood sugar level by keeping a track of your sugar through regular testing at home with a glucometer and then maintainin­g a record of the test readings to act upon the data in consultati­on with your doctor to keep your sugar level in control.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GLUCOVIGIL­ANCE?

Practicing GlucoVigil­ance has two key benefits:

● BETTER LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT: If you are living with diabetes, you must be aware of your sugar levels and understand what makes your sugar go up or down and by how much. This can empower you to make right choices regarding food, exercise level etc. towards a healthier routine.

COLLABORAT­ION WITH YOUR DOCTOR:

Your blood sugar data obtained through GlucoVigil­ance will help your doctor to understand how your sugar level is responding to your medication­s, diet, exercise level etc. and your sugar pattern, hence, your doctor can make timely and accurate adjustment­s in your treatment plan to suit your condition.

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE GLUCOVIGIL­ANCE? Just follow four simple steps:

1

Set a timetable to test your sugar levels with a glucometer in consultati­on with your doctor.

2

Test as per the timetable and maintain a record of your test readings.

3

You should also add your diet and exercise routine in the record. The informatio­n will help you understand what activities (e.g. meal, types and levels of exercise etc.) are affecting your sugar level to take steps accordingl­y.

4

Finally, share the record of your sugar test readings with your doctor during consultati­on for treatment modificati­ons and guidance on lifestyle.

Inculcate the habit of practicing ‘GlucoVigil­ance’ to be in charge of your diabetes care.

DISCLAIMER:

Practice #GlucoVigil­ance is an awareness initiative by Roche Diabetes Care India Pvt. Ltd. The informatio­n contained in the article is not a substitute for profession­al medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The views and opinions expressed are doctor’s own.

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