How To Care For Your Loved One With Diabetes
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Controlling diabetes
In the first place, diabetes is a debilitating condition. Furthermore, a chronic disease that a rise in blood sugar levels beyond normal levels. As a matter of fact, this happens due to the improper use of glucose by the cells. In other words, it is the faulty functioning of the pancreas. Which does not allow the insulin to do its job causes an abnormal rise in blood sugar levels.
Another key point, is the effective management of diabetes forms an essential component of any treatment plan. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can make matters worse for the elderly. Paving way for other secondary conditions to step in. But, by taking charge of the disease. And learning about other alternative ways of treating the condition. Can make a huge impact.
Medications and Natural Remedies
While medications can do their job. There are certain natural remedies that you should consider. For controlling diabetes in older adults. Before understanding the various natural remedies. It is necessary that we first understand the various lifestyle changes. That we need to abide by in elderly diabetics.
Various lifestyle changes that the elderly need to make
Opt for a “clean carbohydrate” diet
The conventional diet plan for diabetics. It is to include more carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. This is best for keeping blood sugar levels under control. Yet, even as per the alternative diet plan. carbohydrates are good. but if they get them from grains, then they are not considered to be healthy enough. Alternative nutrition recommendations based on the theory. Grains contain certain irritating phytochemicals like gluten. Which is not healthy for diabetics, as it can upset their gut health. Thus, for diabetics, it is best to adhere to processed carbohydrates. They are also referred to as clean carbs. A clean carbohydrate diet should be free from all forms of wheat.
Citrus fruits are diabetic friendly
A diet containing a bountiful supply of antioxidants. It can help prevent two of the most common complications of diabetes. Such as free radical damage as well as inflammation. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, berries, and grapefruits contain powerful antioxidants. which prevents radical damage. In addition to fighting against radical damage. Citrus fruits also help in improving insulin sensitivity. Check out this article on nutrition can reduce the need for most medications.
Say goodbye to stress
The diagnosis of diabetes, indeed, put individuals under great stress. But little did we all know that stress is one of the major factors. That not only aggravates but also is the main culprit behind the development of diabetes. So, adopting strategies to manage stress would be a good idea. Both physical, as well as mental stress, can cause stress hormones to release. Which calls for a sudden rise in blood sugar levels.
Keep yourself well hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids is necessary to keep blood sugar levels under check. Research has shown that drinking at least 10 – 12 glasses of water per day. It can have a positive impact on blood sugar levels. Under the conditions of dehydration. The liver increases the production of glucose, causing a rise in the blood sugar levels. Therefore, drinking enough quantity of fluids. It can help keep the blood sugar levels under control.
Eat more of fibrous foods
Fiber-rich foods take more time to digest. And thus release glucose into the circulation. This prevents a sudden rise in blood sugar levels after a meal.
Avoid soda in all forms
Soda is not healthy for diabetics. It leads to weight gain and also decreases the body’s ability to properly absorb glucose. Moreover, soda also causes a sudden rise in blood sugar levels. which is not healthy for diabetics.
Exercise regularly
Research has stated that. Regular exercise helps to keep the blood sugar levels under check. Exercising daily for about an hour, causes the body to use energy from stored glucose. Thus promoting weight loss. Moreover, when the glucose stores are full. The body uses glucose from the bloodstream. Which in turn keeps the blood glucose levels under control.
If older adults with diabetes are able to adopt these lifestyle changes. Then diabetes can be manageable and secondary complications that can also be avoidable. In addition to these lifestyle changes. if certain natural remedies are also practiced, then diabetes can be well controlled.
Effective natural remedies for controlling diabetes
Basil leaves
Basil leaves have healing properties to control diabetes. These holy leaves contain various essential oils as well as antioxidants. Basil leaves can improve insulin sensitivity.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a common spice used in various culinary dishes. This spice has a positive impact on blood glucose levels. And helps in keeping the weight under control. About ¼ Tsp of cinnamon powder a day. It is enough for diabetics to keep their blood glucose levels under check.
Flax seeds
Flax seeds are a great source of fiber. And consuming a tablespoon daily with warm water on an empty stomach can do wonders.
Drumstick leaves
Use drumstick leaves to improve the satiety value. Thus preventing a sudden rise in blood sugar levels. Take about 1/4 cup of juice of the drumstick leaves every morning. On an empty stomach to keep blood sugar levels under check. If you cannot tolerate the taste of raw juice. You can also consider adding the leaves to any vegetable while cooking.
Neem leaves
Neem leaves have exceptional medicinal properties. Regular consumption of neem leaves not only controls the blood sugar levels. But also reduces the dependency on hypoglycemic drugs. You can drink the juice of tender leaves every morning on an empty stomach for the best results.
Bitter gourd
Vegetable bitter gourd contains a plant insulin-polypeptide – P which can mimic insulin. Produced by the pancreas inside the human body. Therefore, consuming bitter gourd either in the form of cooked vegetables or raw juice. Will yield positive results in controlling blood sugar levels.
Indian blackberry
Blackberry contains glycoside. which prevents the conversion of starch into sugar. You can eat the fruit in its original form, or turn the seeds into a powder and mixed with water or milk for best results.
Bilberry leaves
Bilberry leaves are rich in anthocyanin. They stimulate the production of several proteins. They are in fat metabolism and transportation of glucose. Due to this unique property, these leaves can control blood sugar levels. You can crush 100 grams of bilberry leaves that can be and taken on an empty stomach every morning.
Diabetes can not hurt you if you manage your symptoms. And these natural remedies are sure to help the older adults manage their blood sugar levels. With proper medications, lifestyle changes, and these natural remedies. You can live a fulfilling life with diabetes.
Conclusion
Remember, while untreated diabetes puts you at a significant risk of a range of serious health problems, this risk can be vastly improved by getting diagnosed and getting appropriate medical and lifestyle treatment. By following the above tips and suggestions, you can keep diabetes under control.
It can be difficult to attend to your loved one with diabetes, but it’s not impossible. With the right knowledge, you can do this. Don’t forget about taking care of yourself and keeping your business going while you are caregiving. I’m here to assist you on this journey, schedule your planning session with me so we can look at how to keep your life and your business running smoothly.
