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Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients

Diabetic patients face an uphill battle. This is a condition that requires constant attention, causing many diabetics to feel overwhelmed by the ongoing burden of self care. For some, this becomes a major obstacle to quality of life, and as a result, they decide to ignore their diabetes and make no lifestyle changes. But there are actions for diabetics to take that can lead to a healthier lifestyle and better quality of life. Diabetics who take on the challenge of improving their own health can reasonably expect to live longer, more active, happier lives.

  1. Be Proactive

    • Patients who take a proactive stance and make life-changing decisions about diet and exercise can lead a relatively normal life, albeit a careful one. Over time, making healthy food choices, getting regular exercise, taking medicines on time and even testing becomes routine, and affects not only blood glucose, but self-image, confidence and energy. You'll feel better, look better, sleep better and have the energy to do the things you dream about.

    Well-Being

    • Well-being is clearly a deciding factor in quality of life. Diabetics are faced with a laundry list of bad things that can happen if they do not control their blood glucose, including blindness, amputation, coma, heart disease and stroke. This makes simply having diabetes a stressful condition. According to the American Diabetes Association, stress elevates blood sugar, so avoiding or reducing stress is a critical component of diabetes care. De-stress with a hot bath, a half hour of aerobic exercise, relaxation techniques or yoga, or simple solitude in a quiet place without distraction.

    Social Support

    • Social support is another factor that is important in quality of life. Families of diabetics should learn about the disease to better understand what is happening. Since diabetics cannot convert glucose to energy, they are frequently tired and unenthusiastic, plus the inability to participate can lead to depression. Family members who are supportive and encouraging can help stave off depression and normalize the household environment. Family should also be alert for signs of diabetic distress, like excessive thirst, exhaustion, mental fogginess or a state that resembles drunkenness, and know what to do in case of crisis.

    Sleep

    • Few people today get enough sleep and diabetics need rest more than healthy people. Sleeping eight hours a day makes a huge difference in energy level and helps normalize blood sugar.

    Knowledge Is Empowering

    • Learning about diabetes and its treatments are an integral part of gaining control over glucose levels and the effects that can occur. Diabetes is a highly personal disease that affects people differently, so patients must arm themselves with the knowledge to participate in their own care. The patient, monitoring his blood glucose every day, is the only person who can truly decide what works for him and what does not.

    Reasons to Live a Healthy Lifestyle

    • A diabetic patient who wants to maintain quality of life should establish a routine of healthful practices that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise and plenty of sleep. The benefits of a healthy lifestyle are exponential. Weight loss, confidence and well-being will greatly improve quality of life, restore youthful energy and allow a diabetic patient the opportunity to do nearly anything he would like to do. A diabetic who establishes tight control and a healthy weight can often stop taking diabetes medications. There are hundreds of reasons to get healthy, and an equal number of reasons why ignoring diabetes and not taking action is disastrous.

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