Dr. Prashant C Dheerendra, Consultant Nephrologist at Apollo Dialysis Clinics, Bangalore
Two out of three people in the country suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure due to bad lifestyle habits, as per a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Type 2 diabetes is the most common type that is observed amongst children, millennial and Gen Z.
There are several factors that contribute to one’s overall well-being. It is true that genetics too can increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes as with other conditions, but it can be effectively managed by making necessary lifestyle changes and modifying one’s diet.
In normal times, a healthy diet, a normal sleep routine and a workout routine would help in preventing these medical conditions. However, in times like these when we are all faced by additional stress and challenging situations amidst a pandemic, we must take steps to ensure our well-being.
If not controlled and looked after at the early stages, diabetes can also lead to hypertension. A low level of insulin in your body can have adverse effects on vital organs like the kidneys, pancreas, heart, and more. Similarly, hypertension is common amongst adults and is becoming prone to cardiac disease as well, especially amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
As mentioned above, there are treatments available to control diabetes and hypertension – as these cannot be cured. It is also important to understand that your body will take some time to adjust to the course of treatment and a few changes to your eating habits would be needed to cope up with the same.
In case you are a dialysis patient, it is advisable to avoid smoking or drinking and getting enough rest to make it easier and feel better while you are on dialysis. But you must be wondering why you follow a boring diabetes diet always, right?
Surprisingly, you can make your meal interesting by consuming natural and organic ingredients that will help in digestion and have a positive effect on your insulin levels.
The key to keeping these diseases at bay is to eliminate the consumption of refined food. Natural and organic ingredients are known to help in digestion and have a positive effect on your insulin levels.
A few ways to manage diabetes and hypertension while being on dialysis:
A healthy and balanced diet- Eating a healthy and balanced diet is the most vital part of keeping diabetes in control. Avoid oil, white starch, carbs, and junk food and include more leafy vegetables and fruits in your daily food intake.
Physical Activity– Exercise can have positive effects on people who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Regular workout helps in managing the blood sugar levels and also reduces the risk of heart stroke, cardiovascular issues and elevates overall health
Low intake of Salt- Reducing the amount of sodium in your daily diet significantly reduces hypertension and the risk of heart diseases. While it’s not important to eliminate salt from your diet, it’s advised to eat it in moderate quantities.
Meditation- Meditation helps in reducing stress levels and calms your mind and body. Lower stress levels have positive effects on both diabetes and hypertension.
Avoid Alcohol and tobacco- A moderate intake of alcohol can help in maintaining the desired blood sugar level in your body but excess drinking or smoking can cause adverse effects.
With the current situation, as the country is dealing with lockdown due to the pandemic, each state has been put through a different set of guidelines and protocols. The only condition that has been consistently discussed is the safety of people who need medical assistance periodically. Responsible steps are taken by the senior doctors and nephrologists when dealing with a dialysis patient across hospitals in the country.
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