Follow-up

Treatment:-

Adhere diligently to your healthcare provider's advice. Keep track of your blood sugar levels as recommended, noting the times you check, medication doses, meals, and exercise. Contact your healthcare provider if you encounter any treatment issues or symptoms indicating unstable glucose levels.

Education:-

• Participate in diabetes education sessions at your local hospital. Being well-informed about the condition leads to better outcomes.
• Maintain regular visits to your primary healthcare provider.
• If you use insulin, schedule check-ups every three months or as advised. For others, visits every three to six months are generally sufficient, unless issues arise.
• Learn to recognize and address low blood sugar levels promptly.
• You and your family should be educated on identifying signs and symptoms of low blood sugar. Have a clear plan for managing low blood sugar and know when to seek professional help. Mild symptoms include confusion and sweating, which can progress to agitation or even seizures.

Prevention

While we don't have a way to prevent type 1 diabetes, there are preventive measures for type 2 diabetes in some cases.

1. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced, low-fat, high-fiber diet.
2. Regular exercise is vital in preventing type 2 diabetes.
3. Limit alcohol consumption.
4. Quit smoking.
5. If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, adhere to prescribed medication.
6. Lifestyle adjustments and/or specific medications can be used for individuals with prediabetes to impede progression to diabetes. Prediabetes can be diagnosed through glucose checks after fasting and after a glucose challenge.
7. If you or someone you know already has diabetes, the focus should be on averting complications, which can lead to severe complications such as vision impairment, kidney failure, amputation, or even death.
8. Maintain optimal glucose levels through regular monitoring, a balanced diet, and appropriate medical care. Seek advice from a nutritionist or your doctor regarding your diet.
9. Sustain a healthy weight.
10. Increase physical activity levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderately vigorous exercise daily.
11. Stay adequately hydrated and limit salt intake.
12. Prioritize skin care to prevent sores and infections.
13. Practice daily dental hygiene. Regular dental check-ups help prevent gum disease.
14. Inspect and clean your feet daily, looking for cuts, sores, or blisters that may cause complications later on. File toenails instead of cutting them to avoid harming the surrounding skin. A podiatrist may be needed for specialized foot care.