Living with Diabetes — First Steps
SET Health offer diabetes help and assistance
Regardless of if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, have been living with diabetes for a large amount of time, or helping someone with the disease, learning everything you can about the disease can prove invaluable. The first steps following diagnosis are not only important but potentially daunting for those who aren’t informed of what to expect. It is the aim of SET Health to pass on some wisdom to those who need it in a digestible fashion. Through this article we will guide readers through what to expect following a diagnosis.
Take Charge of Living With Diabetes
It is essential that following a diagnosis you prioritise surrounding yourself with diabetes experts who understand your needs. This isn’t exclusive to your GP and can include an endocrinologist, exercise physiologist, dietitian and diabetes educator such as SET Health. A solid support system can assist you in better managing the specific needs of diabetes relative to your lifestyle. Not only this, but they can help with registering for the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).
Types of Diabetes
There are three types of diabetes, those being type 1, type 2, and Gestational. The symptoms and management practices for each of these variations are similar in many ways. However, whilst their characteristics are similar, managing them interpersonally is another story. As each person has a different experience with the ailment. This is another reason why a comprehensive support network is vital in ensuring adequate support for your condition.
Type 1 Diabetes
At a basic level type 1 diabetes means that your pancreas no loner producers the insulin needed by your body. It has no known cause or cure.
Type 2 Diabetes
Like type 1 diabetes, type 2 means that there is an issue with your pancreas not operating as effectively as it ought to. Your body has built an insulin resistance which means it is unable to properly convert glucose into energy. This leaves any remaining glucose in your blood.
Gestational Diabetes
This is a specific type of diabetes that occurs in one in seven pregnant women in Australia. Similarly to the proceeding explanations, this type of diabetes sees an issue with the bodies ability to manage glucose, leading to high levels. It is characterised by its origin, that being attributed to hormones made by the placenta. Whilst still important to manage, this type of diabetes typically goes away following the babies birth.
Diabetes and the First Steps - SET Health Excel in Providing Assistance and Information for Those Living With, and Impacted by, Diabetes.
Living With Diabetes — Diabetes Help With Lifestyle
Physical exercise is generally beneficial for people in all circumstances. When it comes to diabetes there are specific reasons why it might help which include:
- Insulin may work more effectively, making management easier.
- Reduced insulin resistance and reduce glucose levels in blood.
- Improve mobility and strength.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Reduced stress and anxiety, helping sleep.
Exercise can come in many different forms. So if you’re unsure which is best, consulting with you support team of experts is the best course of action. At SET Health we specialise in helping educate a range of clients experiencing diabetes.
In addition to exercise, eating food which helps your body manage Blood Glucose Levels (BGL’s) can be enormously beneficial. The consumption of these foods as well as regularly monitoring your BGL’s is an effective means of improving your prospects of managing diabetes effectively. By reducing the risks of complication the impact of diabetes in largely predictable and therefore controllable to a certain extent.
Ultimately, engaging in a lifestyle which prioritises movement and purposeful eating will lead to a more positive experience living with diabetes.
Set Health — Learning About Diabetes
If you are interested in learning about the first steps following a diabetes diagnosis, SET Health are here to help. SET Health provides education and management services designed to support your individual needs, as well as considering those of your loved ones.
Contact SET Health to find out more about the first steps you can take to ensure you life with diabetes is a fulfilling as possible.