There are difficulties in managing diabetes at home, but there are solutions. These include Self-monitoring your blood sugar levels, taking medications regularly, keeping checkups up-to-date, and using a supplement such as magnesium. In addition, using a diabetes self-management education program will help you through the challenges of diabetes.
Self-Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
Self-monitoring blood sugar levels can be a vital part of managing diabetes. Glucose meters are convenient and can help you understand what foods and activities affect your blood sugar levels. Many meters can also automatically send the data to a computer or mobile device. However, you should still log your readings by hand to provide feedback to your healthcare provider. This will help you learn patterns in your readings and change your diabetes management.
Self-monitoring is also helpful for determining your target glucose levels. You should call your doctor if your glucose level is above or below these levels. More frequent testing will help you achieve your target glucose level. However, taking readings outside the recommended range may not produce any clinical benefits. For this reason, it is best to stagger the times you take your glucose readings. This will allow you to obtain how well your glucose levels are controlled during different times of the day, including at night.
Taking Medications Regularly
For people with type 2 diabetes, taking medications is integral to managing their condition. These medications lower the blood sugar level and help your body use insulin effectively. Your medicines may need to be adjusted depending on your blood sugar status. Other treatments may include a change in your diet and exercise. Your diabetes nurse will help you choose the proper medication for your needs.
Blood glucose levels need to be checked often. Your feet and legs may suffer from tissue deterioration if your blood sugar levels are too high. It’s also crucial to regularly check your blood pressure. You can have an issue with nerve injury if it is higher than 140/90.
Keeping Checkups Up to Date
Stay healthy with regular medical checkups. Those who manage diabetes from home can do this themselves, but they should still see a doctor if they notice any changes. Routine medical exams may help you stay healthy, live happily, and prevent issues. Diabetes is an illness that affects the entire body.
Physicians recommend visits at least every three months. This helps your doctor track your condition and adjust your medications as needed. You should also read and follow the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association to make sure care is consistent.
Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium helps control blood pressure and regulate blood sugar. However, high blood sugar levels can escalate to heart problems and diabetes. In addition, magnesium’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, magnesium supplements are an excellent choice for people with diabetes. Magnesium supplements come in a variety of varieties.
One study found that taking magnesium supplements reduced the level of plasma glucose in patients with pre-diabetes. This condition also impaired glucose regulation but differs from type 2 diabetes.
Barriers to Adherence
Barriers to adherence when managing diabetes from the comfort of home can vary. For example, frequent hunger can prevent medication adherence. In addition, frequent thirst can lead to excessive consumption of sugary beverages. Furthermore, a person with diabetes may be influenced by the views of people around them.
Despite the numerous barriers that may hinder adherence to diabetes self-care, the role of family and friends is often supportive. However, the part of peers and neighbors may also become a barrier to managing diabetes from home. A lack of support from close friends and family members may lead to difficulty completing daily tasks and sticking to a healthy diet and exercise program. Depending on the patient’s connection with family members, their job situation, and their participation in social networks, family support may play a role in managing their diabetes at home.
