Diabetic home care and monitoring

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin that is produced is ineffective. Insulin is produced and secreted by the pancreas and is needed for the proper storage andutilization of nutrients (glucose, proteins, and fat) by the cells of the body. Insulin allows nutrients to enter the cells of the body. For example, insulin allows cells to remove glucose from the blood, and the glucose is used to generate the energy that is necessary to fuel the activities of the cells.

When insulin is absent or ineffective and the cells receive inadequate amounts of glucose, the body releases more glucose into the blood in an attempt to overcome the block to glucose entering the cells. The additional glucose cannot penetrate the cells, of course, and the glucose levels in the blood rise. High levels of blood glucose is what causes the symptoms and signs of diabetes.

Diabetes is managed with a combination of exercise, diet and drugs. The goal of therapy is to control blood glucoselevels in order to prevent the immediate signs and symptomsof high blood glucose levels as well as to prevent the long-term complications of diabetes. The appropriate treatment for an individual depends on the type of diabetes and its severity.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is treated with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is first treated with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugars, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin medications are considered.

Exercise Therapy: Regular aerobic exercise improves blood circulation and lowers blood glucose levels. Exercise also strengthens the heart and helps maintain an ideal body weight. The chosen aerobic exercise should use large muscle groups. Running, walking, biking, and swimming are excellent activities for most people. The frequency, type,and duration of exercise depend on the individual's age,treatment goals, and physical ability. An exercise programshould be designed with the help of a healthcare provider.

Source: RefillPill.com Editors' Choice