JOIN USLike most lifestyle diseases prevalent today, Diabetes is also increasingly attacking the younger section of our population.
Gone are the days when a retired 60-year-old would leisurely plan out his meals for the day, take timely insulin shots and monitor his sugar levels four times daily. These days, young working professionals are falling prey to the condition and struggling against time to manage it with hectic schedules.
So the question arises as to how one can deal with Diabetes in the face of professional commitments which obviously go beyond eight-hour shifts nowadays.
Dr Shalini Jaggi, Senior Consultant, Diabetic Centre, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, says, “Diabetes is a manageable lifestyle disease but controlling it at work becomes tough with little time to eat, not taking medications or checking sugar levels regularly. The trouble doubles for people working in shifts as it leads to changes in appetite as well. Many a times, diabetics fear being stigmatized at work and allow their sugar levels to shoot up during the day because work becomes a higher priority.”
“At such times, planning and patience is required. A diabetic person should not miss any of the meals in a day. Breakfast is extremely important. Take a heavy breakfast and also carry along healthy snacks like fruits, almonds and walnuts to snack on, besides the mandatory lunch. Find time to take your medications and keep a detailed record of all your meals, sleep hours, blood sugar for the day etc. which will help your doctor spot blood sugar variations.”
Dr Pankaj Aneja, Senior Consultant, Diabetes, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, says, “Snacking at office parties should be strictly avoided. Instead, one should choose healthier options available at the venue like brown bread sandwich or salads. One should keep sugar-free biscuits and roasted chanas handy with them to pop in during long meetings.”
“A diabetic person must also stretch their feet at regular intervals and take short breaks. Getting up from the seat after every two hours and taking a small walk around the working area can be highly beneficial. Diabetes patients should keep themselves hydrated throughout the day as it will keep your sugar levels under control.”
Importantly, Dr Shalini adds, “Some people with diabetes feel embarrassed to divulge their diabetes status to their colleagues. However, to protect oneself, one may find it in his or her best interest to let the employer and co-workers know. Then, should one have a diabetes-related emergency at work, help can be arranged quickly.”