According to the International Diabetes Federation, the global estimate of adults who are living with diabetes as of 2019 is 463 million [1]. More worryingly, diabetes, if not managed effectively, can also increase a patient’s risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart disease or stroke [2].
Therefore, it is important for patients with diabetes to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, which can help to lower their risk of heart disease and improve their overall quality of life. At the same time, it is important for patients to have a supportive environment, which has been discovered to be able to improve their management of chronic diseases. This is because poorly managed diabetes can cause patients to suffer from other, more severe health implications such as amputation or a stroke.
In this regard, having the support of a caregiver can help patients to abide by the recommended steps to manage their diabetes effectively, such as eating healthy or taking their medication on time – and receive the supportive care they need to ease the burden of chronic disease on life.
The Importance of a Caregiver in the Effective Management of Diabetes
There is a lot that caregivers and other family members can do to help their loved ones cope with managing his or her diabetes. When caring for someone with diabetes, it’s important to stay positive and supportive.
Apart from helping diabetes patients monitor and maintain their conditions such as keeping optimal control over their blood sugar levels, caregivers are also involved in the daily wellbeing of the patient. Be it family caregivers of a hired nurse or helper, this multifactorial approach towards effective diabetes management can include a wide range of activities such as preparing healthy meals, exercising together, as well as providing emotional support and motivation.
New Innovations in Diabetes Treatment and Management
Over the past decade, innovative therapies that offer not just optimum glycaemic control, but weight loss benefits and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, have been developed. For instance, glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which mimic the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone in the body and are responsible for stimulating insulin secretion and satiety. Subsequently, this action helps to keep diabetes patients from overeating and slows down the progress of food into the intestine, thus preventing an after-meal sugar spike from occurring, leading to good long-term glycaemic and weight controls [3].
At the same time, GLP-1 RAs are recommended as the second-line of therapy for diabetes patients who suffer from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), as well as patients who are at a high/very high risk of developing a cardiovascular disease (CVD) [4]. This is evident from the findings of trial design called SUSTAIN-6, which showed a significantly reduced risk of CVD-associated death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or non-fatal stroke [5].
Another remarkable benefit of an innovation like GLP-1 RAs is that, unlike insulin which requires multiple injections on a daily basis – it is available in once-daily and even once-weekly administrations. Alternatively, GLP-1 RAs are also available in multi-use or single-use disposable pen devices with fine needles equivalent to two human hair. All in all, these benefits can offer a better adherence to treatment, and make it easier for caregivers to provide diabetes patients with optimal care.
Your doctor will be the best qualified source to guide and advise you on the best approach to manage your condition. Early detection is also a key prevention measure, and whether you are at risk or is someone with diabetes or obesity, having regular screening and health checks can help to both detect and monitor your condition to help you achieve a better quality of life.
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