Want to learn about managing diabetes with diet and exercise?
Have you been diagnosed with diabetes? If so, it is helpful to know you can learn how to manage your diabetes and still enjoy a full and productive life. Many people are living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes today. Diabetics know that there are changes that they must make, besides taking insulin, so that they can manage their disease and improve their overall health. Today we will explore some tips for living with diabetes as outlined by the American Diabetes Foundation.
- Stay on Top of Testing – One of the essential tips for living with diabetes is measuring your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. You should be equipped with the latest tools and strategies for testing your blood glucose level, and have them on hand at all times – even when you go out. You should keep a daily log of your test results, which will enable your physician to analyze the course of your disease and any deviations that may occur.
- Be Aware of Hypoglycemia – If you are taking insulin, you should note that sometimes insulin can cause a hypoglycemic reaction, which will cause your blood glucose level to radically decline. Treatment for hypoglycemia is 15-20 grams of glucose or simple carbohydrates. Repeat in 15 minutes if your blood glucose level is still low. Follow up with a snack if your next meal is more than an hour away. Snacks can include: glucose tablets, 4 oz. of juice, 2 tablespoons of raisins, hard candies, jellybeans, gumdrops, etc. You should familiarize yourself and those around you with hypoglycemic signs and symptoms so you/they can intervene before symptoms worsen:
- Sweating, chills, shakiness, dizziness
- Anxiety, sadness, anger, stubbornness, irritability
- Rapid heartbeat, headaches, impaired vision, confusion, delirium
- Insomnia, hunger, nausea, weakness, fatigue, lack of coordination
- Unconsciousness, seizures
- Get Control Over Your Diet – One of the tips for living with diabetes includes managing diabetes with diet and exercise. You will have to learn what foods are appropriate for diabetics, and begin to plan menus so that you are ahead of the game. Eventually you will instinctively know what you can or cannot eat, and how to manage diabetes naturally. Dietary tips for living with diabetes include superfoods with a low glycemic index that are rich in fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C and E. Diabetes superfoods include: sweet potatoes, citrus fruit, dark leafy vegetables, tomatoes, beans, nuts, berries, whole grains, fish that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, and fat-free milk and yogurt.
- Implement Exercise – Managing diabetes with diet and exercise is an important factor for you to consider. Physical exercise will help to keep you strong and healthy, even if you are just doing house or yard work. You will have to learn how your body responds to food and exercise by testing regularly to see if your blood glucose level drops too much. Factors that can impact how your body responds to exercise are:
- The intensity of your activity
- How long you are active
- The level of your blood glucose before you began exercising
- Any changes you may have made to your insulin doses
Tips for living with diabetes include learning how to manage diabetes naturally. If your blood glucose levels are low before you begin to exercise, have a snack before you exercise to raise your glucose level and avoid hypoglycemia. Always carry a snack or drink with you to raise your blood glucose level when needed. Visit your physician regularly, avoid stress, and stay active.
A diagnosis of diabetes doesn’t mean your goals and dreams have to come to a halt. You can enjoy a healthy, full life by following these tips and learning how to manage the disease. For more information on diabetes diets, exercise options, and available treatments, visit www.BetterHealthKare.com
