Q. Show overall management of diabetes?

Diabetes as we all know is a disease with ever increasing prevalence in' our country. It can be described as a disease characterized by disordered metabolism and inappropriate hyperglycemia due to a deficiency either of insulin secretion or to a combination of insulin resistance and inadequate insulin secretion.

In this unit we have learnt about the various types of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in different age groups. A brief note on the symptoms and complications of diabetes, as well as, the common diagnostic tests to identify and monitor diabetes are also given.

The unit further elaborated on the overall management of diabetes with emphasis on diet related aspects. We learnt that the management of diabetes involves a co- ordination between the diet, drugs and activity pattern of the patient, the nutrient requirements are elaborated and the use of alternative food components/ supportive therapy is also discussed. This unit also dealt with the significance and advantages of regular exercise for maintaining blood glucose within normal range. The use of different types of drugs1 insulin, their characteristic features and duration of action were also discussed thercafier.

A die titian is very often involved with counseling sessions which are aimed to help the patient in becoming self-reliant regarding the day-to-day management of variations in blood glucose. Some useful tips regarding an effective education programme were also elucidated.