Diabetes Care: Home Treatment Tips for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Managing diabetes comes at a cost, and it requires a high level of awareness. 

Understanding why your blood glucose rises or falls and maintaining the daily routine even while at home is key to improving your quality of life. 

What are the ways the types of diabetes can be managed to prevent other complications? How does enhancing your daily lifestyle and culture of dieting affect diabetes? When you make these changes, diabetes can be better controlled and may even take on a different, more manageable form.

Taking Care of Diabetic Patient at Home: Tips for managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes 

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by an abnormally high level of glucose in the bloodstream. The home care tips for managing diabetes are similar for both types of diabetes. The main goal of diabetes care management is to control blood glucose levels. However, in a bid to lower the glucose level to a normal range, care must also be taken to avoid low blood glucose. While we try to balance under-treatment and overtreatment of diabetes, we must be cautious in monitoring the treatment of diabetes, which is why these carefully curated diabetes tips are here to help you maintain optimal control of diabetes and promote your overall well-being.

Home Management for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means that the human immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The resultant effect is that there is little or no insulin production. At this point, the glucose in the bloodstream is relatively high. It is still very unclear what the cause of this type of diabetes is. However, it is severe and needs to be managed appropriately, especially at home.

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, deals with how the body cells become resistant to the action of insulin, and the pancreas is unable to produce the needed insulin to overcome this resistance. The endpoint is the large influx and accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream. The symptoms of both types of diabetes are pretty similar, ranging from frequent urination, increased thirst, to increased appetite.

Having reliable access to medications is essential if you are managing diabetes. Mariam Grey Pharmacy offers a wide range of diabetes drugs and ensures that you receive authentic medication with professional guidance. We also have a pharmacy team that is always ready to offer the consultation you need. All you have to do is send a WhatsApp message to us. So whether you need to pick up your prescriptions or seek advice, you can trust Mariam Grey Pharmacy to support your treatment journey. And if you need more home remedies or natural tips to help regularize blood sugar, kindly book a consultation with Mummy Grey.

Though it is not easy to live with any condition that restricts your lifestyle, it is also not impossible. Specific steps can help maintain a healthy balance between diabetes and lifestyle. Let us consider the following tips in home management for diabetes types:

Nutritional Therapy

When you do not eat healthily and consequently skip meals, the tendency for glucose levels to fluctuate remains a possibility. As you change how your diet is portioned, you can keep these unusual fluctuations in check. Harnessing these routines involves:

• Avoid aerated drinks and instead drink lots of water while making sure the diet contains food rich in fiber and fruits.
• Constantly communicating with your doctor to monitor the meal plan for diabetes.
• Completely avoid alcohol consumption, as it contains high-calorie content with no nutritional value.
• Keeping track of carbohydrate intake, as carbohydrates increase the level of glucose in the blood.
• Including seafood in your diet since it tends to have low cholesterol and saturated fats.
• Increasing the intake of garlic, which helps control high blood pressure.

Generally, a better diet plan should contain foods rich in vitamin D, lycopene, vitamin C, and fiber, which are rich in antioxidants that help reduce the risk of heart disease. It should also include magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, zinc, proteins, vitamin K, and chromium, which helps enhance the effect of insulin. Healthy dieting is the bedrock for better living.

Drug Therapy

Medication plays a significant role in home management for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Oral drugs are available that help to enhance the level of insulin in the body and should be taken based on proper consultation with a doctor. The timing and dosage are critical components in the usage of drug therapy.

However, this therapy alone does not provide all the needed results and should be combined with other treatments. Since insulin primarily responds to extreme temperatures, it should be stored at the ideal temperature.

If you are starting new medications, always consult your doctor before beginning. In cases where there is another health challenge or illness, be sure to ask your doctor if it will impact blood glucose levels. This knowledge will help you adjust your routines accordingly to keep track of blood glucose even after taking new medication.

Medication timing and dosage are critical. Do you have concerns regarding your medications? At Mariam Grey Pharmacy, you can also book teleconsultations with an experienced team of healthcare professionals to discuss your medication plan and any concerns you may have. This ensures that you are always informed and supported, even from the comfort of your home.

Exercise Therapy

Physical activity helps the body utilize glucose for energy. It also improves the effectiveness of insulin, which works to lower blood glucose levels. The more intense the activity, the longer the beneficial effect on the individual.

Exercise helps strengthen the heart and maintain an ideal weight required for proper blood circulation. Taking time to exercise, especially if you have diabetes, reduces the chances of health complications.

Using tools like a pedometer or fitness band can help keep track of your physical activity. Engaging in aerobic exercises such as running, jogging, and skipping is essential; however, the type and intensity of exercise should be relative to your age, weight, and treatment goals.

Monitoring your blood glucose before and after exercise is important. This gives an indication of how well you are doing and helps you adjust your routine accordingly.

Be cautious if you experience sudden drops in blood glucose, especially if you feel tired, shaky, hungry, or numb. In such cases, review your nutritional plan and consider taking a small meal to restore energy.

During exercise, drinking plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids is crucial, as dehydration can affect blood glucose levels. Additionally, stress can cause hormones in the body to raise glucose levels. Learning relaxation techniques is paramount when managing stress alongside diabetes care.

Work closely with your doctor to develop a stress management plan that fits your lifestyle.

Glucose Monitoring at Home

One crucial part of managing diabetes at home is regular glucose monitoring. This is done using a reagent strip and a glucometer. A small lancelet is used to puncture a finger, and the blood sample is placed on the strip in the glucometer. The device then measures the amount of glucose in the blood.

This method can be done frequently at home to keep track of your glucose levels and take immediate steps to curb any excess.

When monitoring, check that:

• The glucometer is correctly calibrated to avoid inaccurate readings.
• The reagent strips are properly stored and not expired.
• The blood sample is applied to the strip promptly to prevent errors.
• You are not dehydrated before testing, as dehydration can affect results.

Regular monitoring provides immediate feedback and helps you make informed decisions to avoid complications.

Living with diabetes and living longer is a fact of life. It requires constant and consistent communication between you and your doctor. Do not allow diabetes to keep you from living your best life. Do not let it trap you in a state of worry or depression, as these emotions also affect your health.

Remember, managing diabetes is a continuous journey. Alongside your doctor, you can rely on the support of Mariam Grey Pharmacy for your medication needs and expert teleconsultations. Plus, Mummy Grey is always ready to answer your questions, you have a trusted companion on this path to better health. Reach out to her here.

Live fully by following all medical advice closely and never allow diabetes to make you desperate. With the right care and mindset, you can lead a fulfilling, healthy life.