Abstract
Diabetes lifestyle is a powerful process aimed at controlling and minimizing the major complications of the disease. The key changes presented in this paper can make it easier for diabetic patients to lead healthy lives.
The described practices include exercising regularly, having frequent checkups, taking medicines, eating healthy foods, and monitoring blood sugar levels. These measures can be appropriate for individuals who want to manage diabetes successfully.
Diabetes is one of the health conditions affecting many people in different corners of the world. Individuals and family members affected by the condition should engage in the best lifestyle practices in order to lead healthy lives.
They should work closely with their physicians and doctors in an attempt to manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and hemoglobin (Chen et al., 2014). According to many specialists, patients and their family members should be on the frontline to deal with diabetes. This is true because diabetes care is always up to the affected individual.
Background Information
Diabetes remains one of the major health conditions affecting many people across the world. Past studies have mainly focused on the causes and treatment methods associated with the condition. Many health professionals have argued that human beings cannot protect themselves from the condition (Chen et al., 2014).
However, recent studies have indicated that diabetes is associated with a person’s lifestyle. Such findings have encouraged more patients to monitor their weight and undertake various strategies to manage the condition. Unfortunately, the disease continues to affect many people in every nation.
Many dieticians and health experts have presented a wide range of initiatives that can be used to improve diabetes lifestyle. Martin and Lipman (2013) indicate that people should eat healthily and live in clean environments. Numerous ideas have been presented in an attempt to guide more people to deal with the condition. People who have diabetes can, therefore, make simple changes and lifestyle adjustments in order to control diabetes.
Although the condition can have significant health implications, diabetic individuals can still lead healthy lives with proper practices. Asif (2014) indicates clearly that patients should be informed and educated about the best practices that can be used to manage the condition.
By so doing, the people will avoid some of the life-changing challenges and complications associated with diabetes (Rejeski et al., 2012). This analysis, therefore, presents evidence-based practices and strategies that can be embraced by every individual with diabetes.
Aim of the Study
The purpose of this study was to analyze the unique challenges that were making it impossible for many people with diabetes to lead quality lifestyles. The second aim was to identify some of the evidence-based lifestyle changes supported by scholars and dieticians to improve the lives of many diabetic people (Asif, 2014). Individuals who embrace such lifestyle changes will find it easier to lead quality lives and support their respective families.
Review of Literature
The completed study has indicated clearly that diabetes is a serious condition affecting many people across the world. Without proper management, the disease can result in numerous life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and stroke and eventually make it impossible for the affected individuals to lead healthy lives.
With proper exercises, medications, and lifestyle changes, more people will find it easier to manage the condition and achieve their goals in life (Martin & Lipman, 2013).
A study by Asif (2014) indicated that persons who have diabetes should change their lifestyles by engaging in various physical activities. Such persons can embrace various activities such as riding bicycles, jogging, or walking (Chen et al., 2014). According to Chong et al. (2017), an active lifestyle will make it easier for more people to bring down the level of blood sugar.
Additionally, physical exercises will minimize the chances of getting or developing heart disease. People who exercise regularly will lose weight, live healthily, and avoid most of the lifestyle conditions affecting many societies today. Martin and Lipman (2013) argue that the type of food consumed by an individual will significantly determine the level of blood sugar.
People who have developed the condition should choose the right diet and food materials in an attempt to record positive results. Patients should focus on food materials that can minimize blood sugar. Chen et al. (2014) argue that patients should begin by eating fruits, whole grains, and fruits (Rejeski et al., 2012). Lean meat is also appropriate for individuals with the condition.
Chen et al. (2014) indicate that diabetes is a risk factor for many conditions, such as heart disease. Patients who monitor the level of blood sugar will find it easier to manage the condition. Experts encourage patients to see a competent physician at least thrice every year (Rejeski et al., 2012).
The physician will guide the client to monitor his or her blood pressure or cholesterol. A “full eye exam is also necessary at least once in a year” (Chen et al., 2014, p. 341). Nerve damages and foot ulcers should be monitored by a doctor frequently.
People who take alcohol will definitely find it hard to control their blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), alcoholics have increased the chances of increasing the amount of sugar in the blood (Rejeski et al., 2012).
Experts have also indicated that alcohol can make the quantity of blood sugar to decrease. This analysis shows conclusively that patients should be ready to monitor and control their blood sugar levels before drinking beer (Aalaa, Malazy, Sanjari, Peimani, & Mohajeri-Tehrani, 2012). The same considerations should be taken seriously by individuals who smoke.
Individuals who are anxious or stressed will be unable to manage the condition effectively. Patients can manage stress using a number of practices or strategies.
For example, they should take their medications properly, eat the right food materials, and engage in exercises. Hobbies should be taken seriously because they can make it easier for diabetic patients to deal with the condition (Aalaa et al., 2012). Yoga and jogging are appropriate practices for managing stress.
Patients with diabetes are usually advised to take their medications in a timely manner in order to manage it adequately. Some of these medications and insulin are designed to reduce or control the level of sugar in the blood.
Chong et al. (2017) believe strongly that such drugs should be combined with exercises. The effectiveness of most of the drugs aimed at managing the condition should be taken appropriately. This means that the doses and quantities should be appropriate. The medications will significantly dictate the level of blood sugar.
Professionals and physicians indicate that patients who want to record positive results should consider a number of action plans whenever using some of the medicines aimed at managing the condition. The first consideration is ensuring that insulin is stored in a proper manner (Martin & Lipman, 2013).
This happens to be the case because insulin is affected by high temperatures. Any problem arising from the use of various medications should be reported to a qualified physician. Sometimes the timing or dosage of the targeted drug might need to be changed depending on the patient’s response.
Patients who plan to try new medications should be guided by a doctor or a competent pharmacist. The professional should be aware of the patient’s cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This knowledge will ensure the right medication is available to the client (Aalaa et al., 2012). When the right medications are taken in a proper manner, it will be easier for targeted patients to lead quality lives.
Research Method
In order to come up with meaningful information, a qualitative study focusing on different journals was conducted. The articles were observed to analyze and describe some of the major practices recommended to improve the diabetes lifestyle. The targeted studies were completed within the past five years in order to make the study meaningful.
The evidence-based ideas and concepts were used in order to present adequate measures that can be used to improve the diabetes lifestyle (Aalaa et al., 2012). When applied in a proper manner, the ideas presented in this paper can make it easier for more diabetic patients to lead healthy lives. Individuals who embrace the ideas will also be in a position to achieve their potential.
Implications for Nursing Practice
Nurse practitioners are usually equipped with adequate competencies and skills that make it easier for them to support the health needs of their patients. Nurses can use the findings to develop appropriate care delivery plans depending on the needs of their patients.
For instance, the research has revealed that more diabetic patients can embrace the power of exercises such as walking and jogging (Martin & Lipman, 2013). By doing so, the targeted individuals will lead healthy lives and avoid the major conditions associated with diabetes. The findings encourage diabetic patients to eat healthy foods. Nurses will be on the frontline to design appropriate care delivery models for their respective patients.
It is the duty of nurses and physicians to encourage every patient to monitor his or her cholesterol level and blood pressure. Frequent checkups should be done in order to tackle most of the health challenges associated with diabetes.
The patients will be able to monitor the level of blood sugar (A1C) in a timely manner and promote the most appropriate precautions. Nurses will guide their patients to avoid cigarettes and alcohol in order to record positive health outcomes (Chong et al., 2017). With appropriate support, more patients will find it easier to manage the condition and lead quality lives.
Conclusion
Diabetes management experts and dieticians, therefore, offer powerful insights that can be embraced by patients in order to manage the condition successfully. Some malpractices such as smoking and alcoholism have been observed to increase the risk of other conditions.
Patients should engage in a wide range of exercises, such as jogging, yoga, and walking, in order to manage blood sugar levels (Chong et al., 2017). Frequent medical checkups will make it easier for diabetic patients to make relevant lifestyle adjustments. Such measures will, therefore, make it easier for the affected patients to lead healthy lifestyles.
References
Aalaa, M., Malazy, O., Sanjari, M., Peimani, M., & Mohajeri-Tehrani, M. (2012). Nurses’ role in diabetic foot prevention and care: A review. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, 11(24), 1-6.
Asif, M. (2014). The prevention and control the type-2 diabetes by changing lifestyle and dietary pattern. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 3(1), 1-14. doi:10.4103/2277-9531.127541
Chen, L., Pei, J., Kuang, J., Chen, H., Chen, Z., Li, Z., & Yang, H. (2014). Effect of lifestyle intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis. Metabolism, 64(2), 338-347.
Chong, S., Ding, D., Byun, B., Comino, E., Bauman, A., & Jalaludin, B. (2017). Lifestyle changes after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Spectrum, 30(1), 43-50. Web.
Martin, A., & Lipman, R. (2013). The future of diabetes education: Expanded opportunities and roles for diabetes educators. The Diabetes Educator, 39(4), 436-446. doi:10.1177/0145721713486526
Rejeski, W., Ip, E., Bertoni, A., Bray, G., Evans, G., Gregg, E., Zhang, Q. (2012). Lifestyle change and mobility in obese adults with type 2 diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine, 366(1), 1209-1217. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1110294