Diabeteshallinta

Diabeteshallinta refers to the ongoing process of managing diabetes to keep blood glucose levels within a target range. The primary goal of diabeteshallinta is to prevent or delay diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, eye problems, and nerve damage. Effective management involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and, often, medication.

Key components of diabeteshallinta include regular blood glucose monitoring to understand how food, activity, and medication affect levels. This monitoring can be done using a glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Diet plays a crucial role, focusing on balanced nutrition with controlled carbohydrate intake, emphasizing whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Regular physical activity is also vital, as it helps improve insulin sensitivity and lowers blood glucose.

Medications are often necessary to achieve target blood glucose levels. For type 1 diabetes, this always includes insulin therapy, either through injections or an insulin pump. For type 2 diabetes, management may involve oral medications or injectable non-insulin medications, and in some cases, insulin.

Diabeteshallinta also encompasses regular medical check-ups with a healthcare team, which may include a doctor, endocrinologist, registered dietitian, and diabetes educator. These professionals provide guidance, support, and adjust treatment plans as needed. Education about diabetes self-management, including recognizing and treating hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), is also a fundamental aspect of successful diabeteshallinta. Achieving and maintaining good diabeteshallinta is an individualized journey that requires commitment and ongoing effort.