Top diabetic tips to make living with diabetes easier
Living with diabetes can be challenging, but making a few simple lifestyle changes can help you to keep your blood glucose levels under control. Whether you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes or are just looking for ways to stay healthier, we have some top diabetic tips that will make managing your diabetes a little bit easier.
Exercise regularly
Exercising regularly tops the list of diabetes tips and tricks, because it produces so many healthful benefits that make it easier to manage your diabetes. Studies show that 30 minutes of exercise five days a week lowers your risk of heart disease, and helps your body use insulin more efficiently – aerobic exercise can actually reduce the amount of insulin you need to manage your diabetes. Any type of exercise makes a difference, although the more active you are, the more benefits you’ll see. The key is finding activities you enjoy so you aren’t tempted to skimp on workouts.
Adopt a whole body approach
One of the most important tips for living with diabetes is staying on top of your physical condition. Changes to your blood glucose levels are only the most visible sign of how diabetes affects your body. Diabetes puts you at risk for a number of health problems that can be minimized or even avoided if they are caught early enough. Assemble a diabetes care team to manage your whole body health and schedule regular checkups to monitor your health. A typical diabetes care team should include:
- Ophthalmologist – to check for glaucoma and damage to your retina
- Podiatrist – to monitor for nerve damage to your feet
- Dermatologist – to help with sores and skin conditions
- Endocrinologist – to manage the effects of insulin on your hormonal and other body systems
Monitor your blood sugar levels
Checking your blood sugar isn’t pleasant, but it is a critical part of living with diabetes. Make testing your blood part of your regular routine, and watch for signs that your blood glucose levels are in trouble. Stress, diet, exercise, and other factors can impact your blood glucose levels, so if you start to experience any symptoms that your blood sugar has been affected, such as irritation, shakiness, nausea, or confusion, test your blood glucose levels right away. Keep some small, protein-rich snacks on hand at all times in case you need to adjust your sugar levels.
Check with your doctor before taking OTC medication
Common over the counter medications and herbal supplements can affect your blood sugar. Cold remedies and other liquid medicines often contain sweeteners or other ingredients you should avoid. Herbal supplements and vitamins can affect your metabolism and change the way your body processes insulin and food. Your doctor can tell you if a certain supplement is safe to take, or suggest an alternative medication or different formulation that would be a better solution.
Limit your alcohol intake
Alcohol can affect your blood glucose levels for as long as 24 hours, and it can worsen some of the conditions that are frequently seen in diabetics, including nerve damage. Check with your doctor to find out if alcohol can be a safe part of your lifestyle. If you are in good health, an occasional drink may be fine. To minimize the effect alcohol has on your blood sugar, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, choose sugar-free mixers instead of sugary juices and colas, and be sure to check your blood glucose levels before going to sleep.
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying your life. By incorporating a few simple changes in your lifestyle, you can take the focus off managing your diabetes and get back to enjoying a rich, full life. For more diabetic tips and help with living with diabetes, including diet recommendations and delicious diabetes-friendly recipes, visit www.BetterHealthKare.com
