Do you have diabetes, or as we all know it, sugar disease? Or does a family member or friend of yours suffer from this condition? Then you probably know how important it is to see a doctor and take your medication. But, is everything okay after taking the medicine prescribed by the doctor on time and checking your sugar? In fact, it is only an important step in the journey of controlling diabetes. It is even more important to get care that suits your life and your habits. Today, let's talk about why that happens.
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Why isn't there a "one-size-fits-all" solution for diabetes?
Think about it this way. How many people in our country have diabetes? Are everyone's lives the same? Not at all, right?
For example, imagine a person working in a large office in Colombo. He sits in the same chair from morning till night, working under great stress. It is also difficult for him to find time to exercise. Also, he can easily buy a meal from the shop.
Now think about a farmer in Anuradhapura. He works hard all day in the sun. His body gets plenty of exercise. But he eats only what is grown in the village. His economic situation and eating habits are very different from that person in Colombo.
Let's say they both have Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. If the doctor gave them both the same advice: "Don't eat rice, walk for an hour a day," would it work? Probably not. Because that advice doesn't fit their lifestyles.
Simply put, your life is unique, so your diabetes management plan should be personalized .
This is what we call "personalized care." It means that the doctor doesn't just give you medicine, but also understands you as an individual and creates a treatment plan that fits your life.
What exactly is "personalized care"?
Personalized care means that your doctor will talk to you about these things and help you accordingly.
- Your job and daily routine: Things like the hours you work, the stress you experience while working, and the physical exertion.
- Your eating habits: What do you actually eat? What healthy foods are easy for you to find and easy on your pocket?
- Your family and social background: How supportive are you at home? What other issues are you facing in your life?
- Your beliefs and opinions: How do you feel about this disease? What are your fears?
- Exercise opportunities: Do you have time and facilities to go to the gym, run, or walk?
Once you understand all of this, your doctor can give you practical advice. Let's look at this table to make this more clear.
| Section | General (One-Size-Fits-All) Advice | Personalized advice |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | "Don't eat rice. Don't eat anything with sugar." | "Instead of white rice, limit yourself to one cup of whole-wheat rice. Add more vegetables, herbs, and fish to your plate. It's okay to eat fruit, but be careful about the amount." |
| Exercise | "Run for an hour every day." | "Can you get off the bus at a stop early and walk? Let's look at some simple exercises you can do while you're working from home? Walking briskly for 30 minutes 5 days a week is good enough." |
| Medication | "Take this medicine three times a day." | "You said you forget to take your medicine in the morning because you have to rush to work, right? Let's see if we can change the time of day to fit in with your work, or switch to a once-a-day pill." |
Do you understand the difference? It's easier for you to follow the instructions in the second way, right?
You are the pilot of your health: Let's talk to the doctor!
To get this kind of personalized care, you have to make a little effort. That is, talk openly with your doctor. Remember, your doctor is not your enemy, but your best friend on your health journey.
Some tips for a successful discussion
1. Be prepared: Before you go to see the doctor, write down your questions and concerns on a small piece of paper. For example: "Doctor, I'm having trouble controlling this food, is there no other option?", "I get a little upset stomach when I take this medicine, what should I do about it?"
2. Tell the truth: If you can't follow a piece of advice, don't hide it. Rather than lying and saying, "Yes, doctor, I did exercise," it's much better to tell the real reason, like, "Doctor, to be honest, I couldn't exercise this week because..." Then the doctor can really help you.
3. Ask questions: If you don't understand something the doctor says, don't be shy about asking again. "Doctor, can you explain that a little more simply?"
4. You are a partner: Your doctor is not the only one who determines your treatment plan. You are also an active partner in it. Your ideas, your concerns are essential in creating that plan.
Medical science is also advancing day by day. Today, a lot of research, that is, Clinical Trials'', is being conducted on diseases like diabetes. It is because of the findings from this research that more suitable and successful treatment methods will be developed in the future for the people of our country.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Diabetes management is not just about taking medication. It is a complete process related to your lifestyle.
- Everyone's life is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all diabetes treatment plan.
- Talk openly and honestly with your doctor about your job, diet, difficulties you face, and other things in life.
- You are an active partner in making decisions about your health. Ask questions, share your thoughts, and create a treatment plan that works for you.
- You can definitely control your diabetes and live a happy and healthy life!
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