Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires daily attention and rigorous management. In Arras, there are many resources to help people with diabetes lead a healthy, balanced life. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to effectively manage your diabetes in Arras, drawing on local services, advice from healthcare professionals and community initiatives.
Foreword: What is diabetes and how can it be diagnosed?
- Type 1 diabetes, where the body produces almost no insulin,
- Type 2 diabetes, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin.
Ways to diagnose diabetes
Diagnosis of diabetes in Arras and elsewhere relies on a number of medical tests to measure blood sugar levels.
The most common test is the fasting blood glucose test, which measures blood sugar levels after a period of fasting of at least eight hours. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher is indicative of diabetes. Another commonly used test is the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), in which the patient drinks a sugar solution and his or her blood sugar is measured at regular intervals over a two-hour period. A blood glucose level greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) two hours after taking the sugar solution confirms the diagnosis of diabetes.
Other diagnostic tests
In addition to blood glucose tests, the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test is often used to diagnose diabetes.
This test measures the percentage of glucose bound to hemoglobin in the blood, reflecting the average blood glucose level over the previous two to three months. An HbA1c result greater than or equal to 6.5% indicates diabetes.
This test is particularly useful as it does not require fasting and provides a more complete picture of long-term glycemic control. Other tests, such as random blood glucose and urine ketone testing, can also be used to diagnose and monitor diabetes, especially in the case of acute symptoms.
Health professionals in Arras on diabetes
To successfully manage diabetes, it’s crucial to surround yourself with a competent medical team. In Arras, several healthcare professionals are dedicated to diabetes treatment and offer specialized services. The Centre Hospitalier d’Arras, with its diabetology department, is an important point of reference. Here, diabetologists work closely with other specialists to provide comprehensive, personalized care for diabetic patients. In addition, regular consultations with a dietician-nutritionist can prove extremely beneficial.
Several, including the renowned Laëtitia Knopik, Audrey Patinier and Julie Evrard, offer personalized consultations to help patients better manage their diet according to their specific needs. They offer practical advice on how to integrate a balanced diet into daily life, which is essential for glycemic control. For those looking for local services, Arras’ doctors’ surgeries and pharmacies are also valuable resources. They can provide advice on managing diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels and prescribing medication.
Community and association resources in the Arras region
Diabetes management is not limited to medical consultations. Community resources play a crucial role in supporting and accompanying diabetics. The Association Française des Diabétiques d’Artois(AFD62 Artois), also based in Arras, is an organization by and for diabetics. It offers a multitude of services designed to improve the daily lives of people with diabetes. AFD62 Artois organizes adapted physical activities, dietary and cooking workshops, discussion groups and forums.
These initiatives not only help keep people in good physical condition, but also create a network of support and shared experience. The association also runs diabetes prevention and screening initiatives, notably in schools, to raise awareness of the disease among the general public.
In addition, AFD62 Artois welcomes people suffering from complications linked to diabetes, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and depression. This comprehensive care is essential to help diabetics live better with their disease and prevent long-term complications.
Tips for efficient day-to-day management
Daily management of diabetes is based on several essential pillars: diet, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring and therapeutic education.
Nutrition for diabetics
A balanced diet is crucial to maintaining stable blood sugar levels. In Arras, you can consult specialized dieticians who can develop personalized eating plans. These professionals help patients choose foods with a low glycemic index, rich in fiber and essential nutrients. They also teach how to read nutrition labels and plan balanced meals.
Physical activity for diabetics
Regular physical activity is a key element in managing diabetes, and in Arras there are many options available to help diabetics stay active. AFD62 Artois, mentioned above, offers gentle exercise sessions tailored to individual abilities. In addition, local sports clubs (why not tennis?) and leisure centers offer a variety of programs to encourage regular physical activity. Whether it’s walking, cycling, swimming or body-building exercises, it’s important to find an activity that you enjoy, and to do it regularly.
Blood glucose monitoring for diabetics
Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential for effective diabetes management. Patients must use glucometers to measure their blood sugar levels and adjust their diet and medication accordingly. In Arras, pharmacies and medical centers provide glucometers and advice on their use. Health professionals can also help interpret results and adapt treatments to variations in blood sugar levels.
Therapeutic education for diabetic patients
Therapeutic education is essential to enable patients to understand their disease and manage it independently.
In Arras, therapeutic education programs are offered by hospitals and patient associations. These programs cover various aspects of diabetes management, including diet, physical activity, stress management and blood glucose monitoring techniques. Participating in these programs enables patients to acquire the skills they need to manage their diabetes on a daily basis and prevent complications.
To conclude on diabetes in Arras (62)
Managing diabetes in Arras is made easier by the presence of numerous healthcare professionals, community resources and therapeutic education programs. By surrounding yourself with a competent medical team, taking part in activities proposed by associations, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to live fully with diabetes. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, blood sugar monitoring and therapeutic education are the keys to effective management of this disease. Arras offers an ideal setting for implementing these strategies and improving the quality of life of people with diabetes.
R.C.
