Realistic Diabetes Management Tips You Can Follow Every Day
Diabetes is a chronic condition that patients need to manage effectively with lifestyle changes.
Of course, you may need medication to keep your blood sugar levels in check. But self-care is an equally critical part of the equation. The best thing is that simple measures are often enough to stay ahead of the dire side effects of the disease.
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Here Are Five Realistic Diabetes Management Tips
Your dependence on medication may decrease if you are consistent and proactive with blood sugar control. Let us share a few realistic diabetes management tips you can follow every day.
1. Eat A Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is essential for everyone, but it is even more crucial for diabetics. Think beyond loading up on the requisite nutrients because you also need to eliminate some food culprits from your diet.
The good thing is that a diabetic diet is easy to decode because even the basics are enough to cover your needs. Start with lots of raw vegetables and fruit, watch your carbs, and steer clear of sugar and processed foods.
You must also manage your portion sizes and eat at regular meal times. Remember to maintain an ideal weight by cutting back on surplus calories.
2. Skip the sedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle elevates your risk for diabetes, even if you are not genetically prone to it. But you can lower your risk by following an active routine with plenty of movement every day.
Set aside at least thirty minutes a day for activity, and follow a proper exercise routine five days a week. If you spend most of the day sitting, take short breaks every hour and stretch or walk for a few minutes. Sneak in activity by walking to the market or choosing stairs instead of the elevator.
3. Monitor your vitals
Nothing is more important than checking your blood sugar levels every day, specifically when they are not stable. You can gradually follow an alternate-day schedule once the numbers stabilize. The best thing is that you need not visit a clinic for daily tests as you can manage diabetes with a CGM that ensures a good understanding of your sugar levels.
You need not spend a fortune on the device as you can get insurance coverage for it. Besides tracking the numbers, check your eyes, feet, and teeth regularly.
4. Follow your medication regimen
While diabetes management puts you a step ahead of the condition, it may not always be enough. Your healthcare provider may recommend medication according to your needs and symptoms.
Follow the medication regimen strictly and stay regular with your appointments. Your doctor may increase or decrease the dose down the line, so you must adhere to their advice.
5. Cope with stress
Stress is a hidden culprit leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. It can cause diabetes eventually if you fail to manage it. The best way to lower your risk is by coping with stress with self-care measures like meditation, adequate sleep, and spending time with loved ones.
Also, set realistic goals and forgive yourself for failing to achieve them. You may encounter roadblocks along the way, but the right attitude gets you there.
Managing diabetes can be a breeze, provided you stick with the basics of self-care. Follow these realistic daily measures to keep your blood sugar levels under check.
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