Health Diabetes, erogenous zones, KAK on carers

Our health experts reveal everything you need to know about managing this common condition

According to Diabetes s Australia, the number er of people being diagnosed osed with type 2 diabetes is on the rise, so it’s more important ant than ever to know what we can do to reduce our risk. If you’re also already living with the condition, dition, here’s a look at what you can n do to lead your healthiest life.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT GHT

What should you be eating to manage your type 2 diabetes? s? According to Diabetes Victoria oria dietitian Jane Robinson, it’s all about balance.

“We often describe a balanced nced meal using the ‘plate model’,” l’,” she says. “Half of the plate should ld be non-starchy vegetables or salad, alad, one quarter of the plate should uld be lean protein, such as chicken, n, tofu or fish, and the other quarter uarter should be low-gi carbohydrate rate (slow-releasing) such as sweet eet potato, corn or quinoa. The meals should be low in saturated fat, added sugars and salt.”

Glucojel jelly beans are also super important to have on hand. “It’s essential patients with diabetes have a fast-absorbing source of glucose handy to treat low blood sugar [hypoglycaemia] if it occurs,” says Amcal senior pharmacist James Neville.

GET ACTIVE

Making exercise a part of your routine is an integral part in preventing and also managing your diabetes diagnosis. Jane suggests those with diabetes include two pillars of exercise in their routine: aerobic and resistance.

“Aerobic exercise improves insulin sensitivity [increased uptake of glucose from the blood], improves heart and lung function, reduces blood pressure and cholesterol, improves muscle and bone strength, and can help with weight management,” she says.

“Resistance exercise is important for improving insulin sensitivity, increasing metabolism and decreasing total body fat. It also helps replace muscle mass that has been lost over time.”

Try to undertake two-and-ahalf to five hours of moderate intensity physical activity every week.

HELP & SUPPORT

It’s not just your GP that can offer you diabetes support and advice.

“Amcal pharmacies offer two main diabetes services,” says James. “The Diabetes Risk Assessment to help customers work out their risk of developing diabetes and the Diabetes Management Review to help patients who have already been diagnosed with diabetes review whether there are any aspects of their condition management that could be improved by lifestyle changes and/or discussion with their GP.” Once you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s crucial you still maintain regular check-ups.

“Guidelines recommend that patients over 40 or at high risk should have a Diabetes Risk Assessment every three years,” says James. “Patients with diabetes should have their condition management reviewed by their GP, pharmacist or allied health professional regularly, and should have their Hba1c tested every three months.

“Also stay on top of monitoring your blood sugar levels according to your doctor’s instructions and keep a blood glucose log.”