The Healthy Diabetic: Tips for Conquering Your Disease

As many of you have noticed, South Carolina has moved up the scale to number two in the largest amount of cases of diabetes in the United States. This is a very sad statement for the citizens of our state and causes great concern for the health professionals of this state.
What can be done about this? First of all, keep your doctor visits, take you medication, check your blood sugars, get some exercise in at least five times a week, watch your diet, make sure you have a visit with a Certified Diabetes Educator to help you learn how to get this disease in better control, and get enough sleep. Most people with diabetes are aware of most of these “to do” lists but are not familiar with the last comment- GET ENOUGH SLEEP. Getting a good night’s sleep is so important for the diabetes population and is something that is often times overlooked. Many people with diabetes suffer from sleep- disordered breathing – like sleep apnea. Sleepiness, headaches, and loud snoring can not only be bothersome but also dangerous to your health. “It is estimated that an estimated nine million Americans are affected with sleep apnea, they are also 3 times more likely to have diabetes.”
Sleep apnea is characterized by periods of stopped breathing during sleep and it often goes untreated- especially if the person is living alone. In some cases it is linked to obesity. Fat deposits build up in the throat and line the breathing passages. When an overweight person lies down those deposits obstruct the airway and can stop the breathing. People with sleep apnea and diabetes are more likely to suffer a stroke. However there is treatment available by different devices and even some surgeries.
Here are some healthful hints to help you if you suffer from this:
1. Talk with your doctor about getting a PAP device.
2. Talk to your doctor about humidification to help prevent dryness if you are on a PAP device.
3. If you are overweight- lose some pounds.
4. Avoid alcohol at least 4-6 hours before bedtime.
5. Devote eight hours to sleep and maintain that pattern.
5. Avoid sleeping on your back. Sew something to the back of your pajamas to help you avoid sleeping on your back.
6. Talk to your doctor about using sleeping pills, cold medicines, antihistamines, or other medication that could affect your sleep.
Getting those ZZZ’S can actually help lower your blood sugars and prolong your life.
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1. Diabetes Vital, summer 2008, Volume4, issue2
Jane D. Player, RPh, is a Certified Diabetes Educator and can be reached at 394-3121 or she is the owner of Pee Dee Diabetes Consultants.