Diabetes management made easier: Your guide to a healthier lifestyle

Diabetes is a multifaceted condition, requiring a variety of strategies for effective management.¹ Furthermore, given its varied impact on individuals, management plans are tailored to each person’s unique needs, giving them a personalised approach that considers not just the disease itself but also their unique lifestyle, health history, and individual needs. With advancements in our understanding of diabetes, both doctors and patients are changing how they approach its management. Gone are the days of a generic treatment plan; instead, there is a growing emphasis on creating customised strategies that empower individuals to be proactive about their health.Taking care of diabetes requires ongoing attention and dedication. Although it may seem overwhelming initially, with time, you will gain a better understanding of how to manage the condition and become more attuned to your body’s needs.

What makes it important?
Living a quality and improved life is what makes managing diabetes important. Unmanaged chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus cause blood glucose levels to remain high, which can result in further complications such as kidney damage, cardiovascular problems, and vision loss.

One of the most crucial things you can do to avert or postpone long-term health issues is to control your blood sugar levels to maintain stable glucose levels and prevent high blood sugar. For some people with diabetes, medication is a major part of their blood sugar management strategy, but diet and exercise are just as important.

While millions of people in India live with diabetes, there’s hope on the horizon.² Advancements in research and innovation are constantly transforming diabetes management, offering new tools and strategies for effective control.

The role of innovation and the future of diabetes care in India
The integration of technology has further transformed diabetes care, empowering patients with tools to monitor their health and weight more effectively and make informed decisions. Technological advancements have played a pivotal role in changing the landscape of diabetes management. Tools such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, the evolution of innovative antidiabetic medication, insulin delivery devices, various mobile applications, and wearable devices provide real-time data on blood sugar levels, physical activity, nutrition, and medication adherence.

The emergence of new medications, mobile applications, and patient support programmes empowers people with diabetes to take charge of their health and achieve better outcomes.³ This combined effort—research, technology, and patient support—holds the key to effectively managing diabetes and improving the quality of life for millions in India.⁴

Does advancement lead to the achievement of a healthier lifestyle?
Improvements in technology can empower patients to take more control over their diabetes management, leading to better blood sugar control, healthier eating habits, weight loss, and improved overall health outcomes through ongoing communication with healthcare providers. However, it’s important to recognise that this process is not straightforward,⁵ as excess weight and diabetes are closely connected.⁶ Abdominal obesity plays a significant role in causing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.⁷ The growing rates of obesity correspond to the increasing rates of diabetes.⁸

Losing weight is particularly difficult for people with type 2 diabetes because of various metabolic and psychological factors. Over 40% of adults have attempted to lose weight at some point in their lives, according to studies. Many people give diets another go after their initial attempts, which can lead to weight cycling—a pattern in which people continuously lose and gain weight.⁹

Partnering with your doctor to create tailored plans for your progress
Diabetes affects everyone differently. This means there’s no single ‘best’ way to manage it. Understanding this is key to creating a plan that works for you. However, if you are having difficulty in managing diabetes, weight and other related cardiometabolic complications, even after making your best effort and optimising innovation in monitoring healthcare, it is best to ensure that you consult your doctor for more suited individualised options.

By proactively sharing your medical history, expressing concerns, setting goals, and asking questions, you can work together with your healthcare team to develop a personalised strategy that promotes overall health and well-being and leads to better outcomes.

References

1. Borse SP, et al. Med Princ Pract. 2021;30(2):109-121.
2. Anjana RM et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2023 Jul;11(7):474-489.
3. Sharon W. Lahiri; Clin Diabetes 1 December 2017; 35 (5): 321–328.
4. Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care 1 January 2024; 47 (Supplement_1)
5. Al-Badri M, et al. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2021;12.
6. Van Gaal LF, et al. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2012 Oct;19(5):352-8.
7. Van Gaal LF, et al, Nature. 2006 Dec 14;444(7121):875-80.
8. Wondmkun YT, et al. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2020 Oct 9;13:3611-3616.
9. Sares-Jäske L et al. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2020 Sep;8(1): e001560.

Disclaimer: This content is part of a disease awareness initiative by Novo Nordisk. The opinions and views are that of the Healthcare Professionals. The news and editorial staff of ET had no role in the creation of this article nor vouch for or endorse any of its content. While the content on this site provides general information about health and wellbeing. It is not intended as medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you need help getting your health under control, we recommend speaking to your doctor.