The importance of managing chronic conditions

Although we are living in very uncertain times with the COVID 19 pandemic, one thing is clear: ongoing management of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol is crucial.

Why is ongoing management of chronic conditions so important?

Chronic conditions that are poorly controlled greatly increase the risk of complications.

In diabetes, poor control and persistently high blood sugar can lead to diabetic complications of the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves or feet.

In hypertension, ongoing elevated blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

In people with cholesterol abnormalities, poor control may impact the health of blood vessels and the heart.

It is also vital to note that people with chronic conditions are known to be more vulnerable to serious COVID 19 illness. Managing chronic conditions is, therefore, particularly important during the COVID 19 pandemic.

What does ongoing management of chronic conditions involve?

For a chronic condition to be well-controlled and managed on an ongoing basis, a person needs to follow the treatment plan designed by their doctor. This means taking medicines as directed by your doctor and living a healthy lifestyle to optimise the management of your condition.

Continue taking your medications

Remember, you are allowed to get medicines during the COVID 19 pandemic and the provision of medicine by pharmacies is considered an essential service.

If your doctor has prescribed blood pressure tablets, diabetes pills or insulin injections, or cholesterol medication for you, try to take these at the prescribed times as this may vary depending on different prescriptions.

Set a reminder on your phone if you tend to forget to take your medicine and try to stick to a well-planned regimen because erratic treatment can increase the risk of complications.

Speak to your doctor if you experience any new side effects with your medication or if you are having trouble collecting your medicines.

Check your levels at home if you can

If you have diabetes, make sure you check your blood sugar levels regularly at home. If you notice a change in your sugar control or there are low or high values that concern you, give your doctor a call.

If you have hypertension you should have a blood pressure machine at home to regularly check your blood pressure and report any concerns to your doctor.

Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables with limited or no saturated fat and processed foods is of vital importance in the management of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Again and again, diet has been proven to be a powerful strategy in preventing and managing many chronic conditions.

Stay active

Physical activity is an essential part of chronic disease management and overall health.

Avoid smoking and alcohol

Smoking tobacco and overusing alcohol are major risk factors for chronic diseases, and they greatly increase the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure complications.

The fact that alcohol and cigarette sales have been banned during the COVID 19 lockdown means now is as good a time as any to cut down on alcohol and quit smoking.