6 Tips For How To Control Your Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious chronic illness that affects millions of people around the world. If you have diabetes, it's important to know how to manage the condition and control your blood sugar levels. Whether you have Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes, it's vital to follow a healthy lifestyle and work with your healthcare provider to ensure your health is in the best possible condition.

Here are six tips for controlling diabetes.

1. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels

One of the most important things you can do to control your diabetes is to monitor your blood sugar levels. Check your levels before meals and snacks and two hours after eating. If your blood sugar is higher than 130 before a meal or higher than 180 after a meal, you need to take action to bring it down. You may need to adjust your insulin dose or change your diet.

That's why it's essential to have the proper diabetes supplies, including a high-quality diabetes monitor or glucose meter, lancing devices, and insulin pens or syringes. Having the right supplies will make monitoring your blood sugar levels and making the necessary adjustments easier.

2. Stay Active

Exercise is vital for everyone, but it's especially critical for people with diabetes. Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels and can also help you lose weight, improving your diabetes control. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. If you're starting out, begin with 10 minutes of exercise and increase it by 5 minutes each week until you reach your goal.

Some of the best exercises for people with diabetes are walking, running, swimming, and biking. If you're new to exercise or can't commit to a regular routine, try taking 10-minute walks throughout the day or doing light stretching. Always be sure to warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.

3. Eat Healthy Foods

Eating healthy foods is something we should all get into the habit of, but it's especially critical for people with diabetes. When you have diabetes, you need to be careful about the types of food you eat because they can affect your blood sugar levels. Choose foods low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars.

Fill up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products, while limiting sugary drinks, like soda and fruit juice. They contain a lot of calories but very little nutritional value. Have a well-balanced meal plan and consider getting yourself a food portion plate to visualize the food groups and portions more easily.

4. Take Your Medications as Prescribed

If you have diabetes, you'll likely need medication to help keep your blood sugar levels in check. You must take your medication exactly as your doctor prescribes. If you have trouble remembering to take your medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist about ways to help you remember, such as setting an alarm on your phone or keeping your pills in a weekly pill box.

Never skip or stop taking your medication without first talking to your doctor. Doing so could be very dangerous. Consult your doctor if you experience any concerning side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, or weight gain.

5. Cope With Stress in Healthy Ways

Stress can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Some healthy ways to deal with stress include exercising, spending time with friends or family members, reading, listening to music, and meditating. Avoid unhealthy coping methods, such as smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol. These can actually make stress worse and cause other health problems. 

Generally, engaging in enjoyable activities, like walking or playing a sport, can help reduce day-to-day stress and make managing diabetes easier. While it's important to stay active, don't overexert yourself if you have diabetes – make sure your physical activity is tailored to your specific needs.

6. Visit Your Doctor Regularly 

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It's important to see your doctor regularly if you have diabetes so he or she can check how well you're managing the disease and look for any early signs of complications from diabetes, such as heart disease or kidney disease. Most people with diabetes should see their doctor at least once a year but more often if they're not getting good results from self-care measures alone.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any new symptoms or problems you're having so he or she can provide prompt treatment if necessary. Look out for foot problems, joint pain, vision changes, and other signs of diabetes-related issues, and let your doctor know right away.

You Can Live a Fulfilling Life

Just because you have diabetes doesn't mean you can't lead a fulfilling and happy life. With some effort and care, you can control your diabetes. Embrace physical activity and healthy eating habits, manage stress well, and take your medications as prescribed. With these measures in place, you can keep your diabetes under control and live the life you want to lead.