Diabetes is a common chronic disease, currently affecting millions of Nigerians. Since the disease is presently without cure, the ultimate goal of treatment for many people with diabetes is to regulate blood sugar levels and avoid complications, which can be devastating. In today’s post, we highlight tips to help Nigerians living with diabetes avoid the complications of the disease. Let’s get to it!
Opt for Healthy Nigerian Foods
It is true that Nigeria has a rich variety of delicacies, but some of these meals are not ideal for diabetes patients. Avoid foods that can particularly cause sharp spikes in blood sugar levels. Asides this, adopting healthier cooking methods is key. Generally, here are some cooking tips that can help with managing your blood glucose levels and preventing diabetes or its complications:
- Go for ofada rice, unripe plantains, and whole wheat instead of refined carbohydrates like white rice.
- Include sufficient amounts of nutrient-rich vegetables like Ugwu, Ewedu, Okra, bitterleaf and garden eggs in your meals.
- Prepare soups like Egusi, Ogbono and Ewedu with minimal oil and pair them with whole-grain swallows such as unripe plantain amala or wheat instead of eba or pounded yam.
- Limit frying and explore other cooking methods like grilling or boiling for foods like fish and chicken.
Check Your Blood Sugar Regularly
Timely blood sugar checks allow you track the effects of your diet, medications and lifestyle on your blood sugar. As a person living with diabetes, it is important to have a personal glucometer and know how to use it. You should also keep a log of your blood blood sugar readings over a certain period of time and share with your healthcare provider during routine checkups.
Take Your Medications as Prescribed
Skipping medications or any other form of inappropriate use of medications is one of the common causes of emergency admissions in diabetes patients. Ensure to use your medications as prescribed; don’t combine them with herbal medications as this may result in unwanted drug interactions. If you experience any side effects while taking your medications or you discover your blood sugar remains too high and gets too low, kindly discuss with your doctor as soon as possible.
Stay Hydrated and Limit Sugary Drinks
Dehydration can cause elevation of blood sugar levels, which may cause complications. Drink plenty of water after meals and as you go about your day. Limit the intake of sugary drinks like sodas and processed fruit juices. Rather, go for healthier alternatives such as Zobo (without sugar) or unsweetened kunu.
Go for Regular Checkups
Regular checkups allow for prevention and early detection of diabetes complications. Interestingly, many health facilities in Nigeria offer diabetes care services. Your checkups should entail:
- Monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol levels as well as kidney functions.
- Visiting an ophthalmologist annually to look out for diabetic eye complications (diabetic retinopathy).
- Discussing foot care with your doctor to avoid diabetic foot ulcer.
Dealing with diabetes is hard, but dealing with its complications is harder. It is therefore important to commit to practices and lifestyles that help keep your blood sugar under control and prevent the complications of these diseases. We hope you find the tips provided above useful in your quest to lead a quality life while living diabetes.
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