Diabetes affects millions of people globally. It is a leading chronic disease, but the good thing is that it is easy to manage. Upon diagnosis, many doctors advise their patients on the crucial lifestyle changes that they should make to live with it.
Proper management helps to not only manage the sugar levels, but also to reduce the mortality rates and, most probably, reduce the hospital bills.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, here are practical expert tips to help you manage the condition.
Observe your medication
Medication is the most apparent method of managing diabetes. The main drug is insulin, which helps to control the level of sugar in the body. Other than the essential hospital visits, your doctor will most probably give you injections, pills, and glucose meters to administer the glucose while at home. As mentioned in this guide, https://cpoe.org/glucose-meters/, there are various types of glucose meters, and you should, therefore, choose the best that suits your needs. Always confirm with your health practitioner before you buy any glucose meter, and before you purchase any over the counter medication.
Take a balanced diet
Just like the medication, diabetic people should observe the kind of food they take. They should take every diet in moderation. A proper diet, for instance, should include a small portion of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and some vitamins. It should also include fruits and vegetables. Some carbs, such as whole grains, are better than the others since they do not have too much sugar. Lastly, avoid sugary diets such as sweetened beverages. If you are not sure of the best types of food to take, ask your doctor or nutritionist to recommend the best diet according to your age, weight, and current health condition.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise keeps your body active. It enhances blood circulation in the body, and thus, improves the distribution of sugar in the body. The strenuous work hours have significant impacts, but you can also participate in the lighter activities such as gardening and doing the regular housework. If you need an exercise plan, request your health practitioner to draft the best strategy according to your condition. Some of the exercises that you can try at home include going for yoga sessions, walking, jogging, or even running. Ensure that your exercise is slow but steady. Regular physical activity combined with a good diet will also help you to attain and maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid stress
Too much stress is harmful to everyone. It is messier to people living with diabetes because it facilitates the production of the cortisol hormone. When the level of cortisol becomes high, the level of insulin in the body increases too, and this worsens the diabetic condition. Stress is inevitable, but you can control its effects by taking control of the things which stress you out. Prioritize your tasks and learn to relax whenever you feel stressed up. Also, observe your stress patterns, and seek the help of a councilor when the situation gets out of hand. A good counselor will help you pinpoint the things which stress you and help you come up with good strategies for dealing with them.
Get enough sleep
Experts advise adults to sleep for at least eight hours per day. When you stay awake for an extended period, the insulin resistance becomes high and the blood sugar too. However, enough sleep gives the body time to heal and to repair the worn-out tissues. Also, good sleep reduces stress levels and reduces the amount of cortisol in the body. If you have insomnia or you have many things affecting your sleep, discuss the issue with your doctor, to get recommendations of the best tactics you can use to sleep better. As you sleep, avoid distractions, switch off the electronics, and take a bath before to have a peaceful nap.
Observe routine care
Visit your health care experts at least two times in a year, even when you are not unwell. During the visits, your doctor will check your blood pressure level, check your feet, check your weight, and maybe, review your current health care plan. Your health care team will also carry out cholesterol tests on you, examine your teeth, examine your eyes, and carry out pneumonia and hepatitis tests. In addition to the tests, you will get more diabetes education and advice to help you manage the condition well.
Diabetes is not a death sentence, and you can live a healthy life if you make the necessary lifestyle changes, keeping in mind the buck stops at you through good self-management. Accept your condition and observe the above-discussed tips. Build a strong relationship with your health care team, and if possible, join the various diabetes communities. As you interact with other people in the communities, you will learn more, and you will get the courage to manage the situation.
