Tips to Help You Manage Diabetes
Diabetes refers to a group of diseases affecting how your body processes sugar or glucose. These conditions, which include type one and type two diabetes, both come from different causes, and in some cases, can be reversible. However, both conditions cannot manage the excess sugar in the blood system, which can lead to serious health issues, which include cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, Alzheimer’s disease, and nerve damage. Managing diabetes is a lifelong challenge, but the key to keeping diabetes in check is to check your blood sugar levels and keep them as normal as possible. Here are a few tips you can use to keep your diabetes in check.
Practice Self-Monitoring Techniques
Diabetes has two important indicators: glycated hemoglobin and blood glucose. For glycated hemoglobin, regular visits to the doctor’s office can help manage and check in on your diabetes. For blood glucose, it can be measured at home with the use of insulin and should be checked before and after meals, at bedtime, and before exercising. Make a journal of any dietary changes, physical activities, and medications to manage your blood sugar levels.
Maintain Healthy Weight Levels
Maintaining a healthy weight involves keeping an eye on any weight loss progress made, including setting goals, making notes of any changes to diet, and the amount of exercise achieved. With weight loss, the effects of type two diabetes can be reversed and can lower the glycated hemoglobin levels from 0.3% to 2% in adults.
Follow Good Nutrition Guides
Meal plans become extremely important when dealing with diabetes because certain foods containing high amounts of sugar can raise blood sugar levels in a matter of minutes. For those with diabetes, developing a plan with a dietitian can help control blood sugar levels through portion control and eating healthier foods. Taking in fewer carbs, eating more vegetables, and incorporating more whole grains into your diet can ultimately control your blood sugar completely.
Exercise Consistently and Regularly
Exercise can control blood sugar levels, reduce glycated hemoglobin, and reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Many nutritionists recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day for most days of the week can help manage diabetes and reduce insulin resistance. Those with diabetes should avoid sitting for long periods of time, and giving breaks to sedentary periods can help control blood sugar overall.
Take Medication As Prescribed
People with diabetes who don’t take their prescribed medication will have a higher risk of mortality rate, increase the risk of complications, and an increase in overall health costs. While complex treatment plans may seem hard to follow, addressing habits and non-adherence to medication to your doctors will help resolve any issues present and improve the likelihood of type two diabetes from being reduced.
While diabetes is not curable, a person with diabetes has the tools available to manage their condition. By following nutrition and diet plans, along with regular exercise, diabetes will become easier to manage and easier to live with overall. If you wish to learn more, contact Dr. Trang D Nguyen at Conroe Family Doctor in Conroe, TX.
