How can I control Diabetes

If you have Type 2 diabetes, you should see a health worker to check the sugar in your blood and see if you need medicines. You may be able to control your diabetes by eating carefully:

• Eat smaller meals more often. This helps keep the same amount of sugar in the blood.
• Avoid eating a lot of sweet foods.
• If you are overweight, try to lose weight.
• Avoid foods high in fat (for example, butter, ghee, lard, and oils), unless you have trouble getting enough food to eat.
• There may be plants in your area that are helpful for diabetes. Check with a health worker.

If possible, you should also see a health worker regularly to make sure your illness is not getting worse.

To prevent infection and injury to the skin, clean your teeth after eating, keep your skin clean, and always wear shoes to prevent foot injuries. Check your feet and hands once a day to see if you have any sores. If you have a sore and there are any signs of infection (redness, swelling, or heat), see a health worker.

Whenever possible, rest with your feet up. This is especially important if your feet get darker in color and become numb. These signs mean that the blood flow to and from your feet is poor.

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en010422