Tips for Managing Diabetes

According to various research studies, weight loss through bariatric surgery can have a beneficial impact on the condition of a diabetic, and in some cases, may even eliminate the symptoms of diabetes. But while a patient struggles with the problem of diabetes, they must manage the disease every day to maintain good health.

Food, exercise, stress levels, and general health condition are some of the key variables that must be maintained in balance in order to have safe blood sugar levels.

Successful and state of the art bariatric surgeon Dr. Wiljon Beltre provides weight loss surgeries to patients in Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and other suburbs and communities in this part of north and central Florida.

Tips on Counting the Carbs

Calorie monitoring or carb counting can be performed with a few simple tips. The diabetic patient should read the Nutrition Facts Label on a food package to know what they are eating. The information about the total amount of carbohydrates in a food serving is the most pertinent information for diabetics. It includes the amount of dietary fiber and sugars in the food.

If the food has more than 5 g of fiber, it can be subtracted from the total amount of carbs. Sugar alcohols are not entirely absorbed in the blood, so the patient can subtract half the amount of sugar alcohols from the total carb amount. Patients who do not watch their diet may develop excessive weight, which may have to be addressed with bariatric surgery.

Tips on Monitoring Glucose

• Wash your hands before checking blood sugar levels
• Check the expiry date of the test strips
• Calibrate the meter (if the meter requires this)
• Use the sides of the fingers and use different fingers
• Assess with the healthcare provider about the ideal times to check blood sugar level
• Record results in a logbook, particularly if the readings are out of range, and show to the treatment provider
• Do not leave the strips in a hot car and we all know how hot it can get in a Florida summer

Tips for Exercise

• Discuss with the physician if planning to increase exercise intensity or include light weight training
• Check blood sugar before and after the physical activity
• Carry a source of fast-action glucose in case of low blood sugar levels
• Stay hydrated
• Do not exercise in case of ketones presence in type 1 diabetes
• Check the feet each time after physical activity

Healthy Diet

• Include low fat dairy products and lean meats in the diet
• Limit the use of trans fats to manage cholesterol levels
• Increase the intake of good fats such as mono-unsaturated fats and poly-unsaturated fats
• Eat fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids at twice a week, but avoid fried fish
• Increase intake of dietary fiber. Adults should consume 20 to 35 gm of fiber a day to help reduce cholesterol. Wholegrain cereals, fruits and veggies should be chosen.
• Limit the consumption of sodium. Reduce intake to no more than 2.3 grams a day.

Amazing and committed bariatric surgeon Dr. Beltre receives patients for weight loss surgery from Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and other neighborhoods and communities in this part of the country.

Important Note: If the weight is regained, diabetes and other conditions could return.

To find out more about the procedures & treatments performed by Orlando Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Wiljon Beltre, at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Call 321-499-6505 or Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.

Important Note: If the weight is regained, diabetes and other conditions could return.