For people with diabetes, visual aids can remind them of the correct lifestyle choices to control their blood sugar. The diabetes food guide pyramid helps people choose food items to maintain their health. At the bottom of the pyramid, there are fruits, vegetables and whole grains that contain fiber, nutrients, and electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium. At the top are foods one should be eating far less of – dairy and meat, with fats and sweets at the top (foods to avoid).
Another of the diabetes visual aids that educates patients is the diabetes tree (http://www.mymedicalreports.com/site_media/content/42/audio/25-diabetes-4-09.pdf). This demonstrates the roots of disease control, with the flowering branches as the three areas of most importance – glucose level, blood pressure, and lipids. The key elements at the roots include risk factors, knowledge, nutrition, coexisting health problems, condition of vital organs, and family support system.
In Diabetes Forecast, they’ve published an Inside Diabetes visual that demonstrates in text and illustrations how the body uses food and converts it to glucose. It also shows exactly what happens (or doesn’t happen) in the case of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Visual aids such as these educate people about this debilitating and life-threatening disease. This important diabetes visual can be found at their website (http://forecast.diabetes.org/files/images/v63n04_p36_37.pdf).
The Visual MD has a video that explains the causes of diabetes, and what this dangerous and common disease does to the body (http://www.thevisualmd.com/read_guide.php?idu=1033607592&idc=1381&cw=1). Of all the diabetes visual aids, this is very hard-hitting, as it shows the people most at risk, and discusses exactly what happens in the body. It is a powerful ‘wake up call.’ Did you know that by 2050, if people keep living the typical unhealthy American lifestyle, that one in three people will have type 2 diabetes? It’s a very scary thought!
Visual Signs of Diabetes – First Indications
Some of diabetes’ visual signs (early indications that one might have the disease) include frequent urination and extensive thirst; excessive hunger and, paradoxically, rapid weight loss; skin irritation or infections that may be slow to heal; and vision problems. People with diabetes may also be drowsy or tired, and they may have tingling, burning or numbness in the hands or feet. They might also have flu-like symptoms. In children with diabetes, visual indications are most often excessive hunger, thirst, and urination.
Knowledge Is Power – Let’s Put an End to Diabetes Now!
The good news is that diabetes is a highly manageable condition. As you can see, there is a wealth of information available in these diabetes visual aids. They show how the body works, how diabetes develops, and what the body needs to resist it. By eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, controlling blood sugar levels in the body, stopping smoking and at least curbing alcohol consumption, you can avoid getting this dangerous disease and actually slow down your aging process.
