1. Diet Therapy

* Avoid simple sugars like cakes and chocolates. Instead have complex carbohydrated like rice, pasta, cereals and fresh fruits.
* Do not skip or delay meals. It causes fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
* Eat more fiber-rich foods like vegetables.
* Cut down on salt.
* Avoid alcohol. Dietary guidelines recommend no more than two drinks for men and no more than one drink per day for women.

2. Exercise

Regular exercise is an important part of diabetes control.

Daily exercise . . .

* Improves cardiovascular fitness
* Helps insulin to work better and lower blood sugar
* Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels
* Reduces body fat and controls body weight

Exercise at least 3 time a week for ate least 30 minutes each session. Always carry quick sugar sources like candy or softdrink to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) during and after exercise.

3. Control your weight

If you are overweight or obese, start weight reduction by diet and exercise. This improves your cardiovascular risk profile.

* It lowers your blood sugar
* It improves your lipid profile
* It improves your blood pressure control

4. Quit smoking.

Smoking is harmful to your health.

5. Maintain a normal blood pressure.

Since having hypertension puts a person at high risk of cardiovascular disease, especially if it is associated with diabetes, reliable BP monitoring and control is recommended. See your doctor for advice and management.

If there is no improvement in blood sugar what advice can I expect my doctor to give?

There are drug therapies using oral hypoglycemic agents. Your doctor can prescribe one or two agent, depending on which is appropriate for you.

1. Sulfonylurea – Glibenclamide, Gliclazide, Glipizide, Glimepiride, Repaglinide

2. Biguanide – Metformin

3. Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors – Acarbose

4. Thiazolidindione – Troglitazone, Rosiglitazone, Proglitazone.

Remember

If you have the classic symptoms of diabetes:

* See your doctor for blood sugar testing
* Start dieting
o eat plenty of vegetables
o avoid sweets such as chocolates and cakes
o cut down on fatty foods
* Exercise regularly
* If you are obese, try to lose some weight
* Avoid alcohol drinking and stop smoking
* If you are hypertensive, consult your doctor for advice and management