Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and lower limb amputation. And while there is no cure for diabetes, the good news is that those with diabetes can live long and healthy lives with proper management.
Here are 7 tips to help you better manage your diabetes.
1. Know your numbers.
This includes blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. Keeping track of these numbers will help you and your healthcare team determine if your diabetes management plan is working or if changes need to be made.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
One of the best ways to manage diabetes is to eat a healthy diet. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It also means limiting your intake of unhealthy fats, sugars, and processed foods. A healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for managing diabetes.
3. Get Plenty of Exercise
Exercise is another important part of managing diabetes. Exercise can help you lose weight, lower blood sugar levels, and improve insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you’re just starting out, try breaking up your exercise into 10-minute increments throughout the day.
4. Take Your Medications as Prescribed
If you have been prescribed medications to help manage your diabetes, it’s important that you take them as directed. This includes both oral medications and insulin injections. Taking your medications as prescribed can help you control your blood sugar levels and prevent serious complications from developing.
5. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels Regularly
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is an important part of managing diabetes. You should check your blood sugar levels at least once a day, but more often if they are frequently changing or if you are experiencing symptoms of low or high blood sugar levels. Checking your blood sugar levels will help you determine how well your management plan works and whether any changes need to be made.
6. Quit smoking.
Smoking is bad for everyone’s health but especially harmful for those with diabetes. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications associated with diabetes. If you smoke, talk to your healthcare team about cessation programs that can help you quit for good.
7. See Your Doctor Regularly
Lastly, be sure to see your doctor regularly for checkups and screenings. These appointments are important for monitoring your overall health and catching any problems early on. For most people with diabetes, these appointments should be scheduled at least once a year.
Conclusion
Managing diabetes can be challenging, but it’s important to do everything you can to control your blood sugar levels. By following these seven tips, you can live a long, healthy life despite your diagnosis.