Diabetes Primer

Key Points at a Glance

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be confusing and worrying, but please remember that diabetes is a controllable disease. With the right knowledge and a positive attitude, you can live, work, and enjoy life just like normal people. This beginner’s guide will help you understand basic diabetes knowledge, master self-management skills, and establish a healthy lifestyle.

Diabetes management is a long-term process requiring patience and perseverance. Initially, the amount of information may seem overwhelming, but over time, this knowledge will become second nature. The important thing is to maintain a positive attitude and not get discouraged by occasional blood sugar fluctuations.

Understanding Diabetes: Types and Causes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar. Our bodies need insulin to help glucose enter cells for energy. When insulin secretion is insufficient or its function is impaired, glucose accumulates in the blood, leading to high blood sugar.

Long-term high blood sugar can damage various organs in the body, including the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nervous system. This is why good blood sugar control is so important.

Main Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5%-10% of diabetes patients and typically occurs in children and adolescents. It is characterized by the pancreas producing almost no insulin, and patients need lifelong insulin injections to survive. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, accounting for over 90% of diabetes patients. It usually occurs in adults, but its incidence in teenagers is also increasing in recent years. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body becoming resistant to insulin while the pancreas produces relatively insufficient insulin. Lifestyle factors like obesity, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise are the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that increase insulin resistance. In most cases, gestational diabetes disappears after delivery, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Blood Sugar Monitoring: The Foundation of Diabetes Management

Why Monitor Blood Sugar?

Blood sugar monitoring is the core of diabetes management. By understanding your current blood sugar levels, you can judge whether diet, exercise, and medication are effective, and make adjustments as needed. Regular monitoring also helps you identify and prevent hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

How to Use a Blood Glucose Meter?

  1. Clean and dry your hands completely
  2. Insert a test strip into the glucose meter
  3. Use a lancing device to prick the side of your finger
  4. Touch the blood drop to the test strip
  5. Wait for the result to display
  6. Record the blood sugar value and time of measurement

Blood Sugar Control Targets

Generally, fasting blood sugar targets for diabetes patients are 4.4-7.0 mmol/L, with post-meal (2-hour) blood sugar targets below 10.0 mmol/L. However, specific targets may vary individually and should be set according to your doctor’s recommendations.

Diet Management: Eat Healthily, Live Better

Carbohydrate Counting

Carbohydrates are the main factor affecting blood sugar. Learning to count carbohydrates can help you better control post-meal blood sugar. Typically, adults can consume 45-60 grams of carbohydrates per meal.

Choosing Healthy Foods

Meal Timing

Regular meals help maintain stable blood sugar. Try to eat at the same time each day and maintain appropriate intervals between meals. Avoid blood sugar fluctuations from going without food for extended periods.

Exercise and Activity: Get Your Body Moving

Regular exercise has many benefits for diabetes patients: improving insulin sensitivity, helping control weight, reducing cardiovascular disease risk, and improving mood.

It is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Monitor blood sugar before and after exercise to avoid exercise-induced hypoglycemia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can diabetes be cured?

Currently, diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be controlled through good management to maintain blood sugar levels, reduce complication risks, and maintain normal quality of life.

Q2: Do I need to take medication for life?

Type 2 diabetes patients may need long-term hypoglycemic medication, but through lifestyle changes, some patients can reduce medication doses or temporarily not need medication. Type 1 diabetes patients need lifelong insulin use.

Q3: Can diabetes patients eat fruit?

Yes. Fruit is part of a healthy diet, but intake needs to be controlled. Choose lower-sugar fruits like berries, apples, and pears, and try to eat them between meals.

This article is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for health issues.