6 Ways To Manage Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious condition that occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin correctly. Therefore, you need to manage San Pedro diabetes to avoid complications like blindness or kidney failure. Here are ways to manage diabetes;

1. Table of Contents

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   Eat healthily

Eating healthy is crucial when you have diabetes since your consumption influences your blood sugar levels. No foods are categorically forbidden. Just consume the amount of food that your body requires. Consume a lot of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats, and nonfat dairy products. Also, eat less fat and sugar-rich meals.

Remember that sugar is produced from carbs, so limit your consumption. Try to maintain the same amount from meal to meal. This is even more crucial if you need insulin or other medications to manage your blood sugar.

2. Don’t drink too much

Avoiding excessive amounts of beer, wine, and alcoholic beverages may make it simpler to manage your blood sugar. Do not go overboard if you decide to drink. According to the American Diabetes Association, men and women who drink should each limit their intake to two daily drinks. Alcohol may cause an excessive rise or fall in blood sugar levels. Before consuming alcohol, check your blood sugar and take precautions to prevent lows. Eat while drinking if you have diabetes and use insulin or other medications. Consider this while counting carbohydrates as certain beverages, such as wine coolers, may have more of them.

3. Exercise

It is time to become active if you are not already. However, you do not have to join a gym or can cross-train. Doing things like swimming, going for a stroll, or riding a bike can significantly help manage your condition.

You should aim for 30 minutes of exercise that causes you to sweat and breathe harder five days a week. You may better manage your diabetes by leading an active lifestyle, which lowers your blood sugar. Additionally, it lessens your risk of developing heart disease. Further, it may aid in stress relief and weight loss.

4. Quit smoking

Diabetes increases your risk of developing conditions like eye disease, nerve damage, heart disease, kidney disease, blood vessel disease, stroke, and foot issues. Smoking increases your likelihood of developing these complications. Also,  smoking might make it more challenging to exercise. Consult your doctor about quitting options.

5. Manage stress

Stress causes your blood sugar levels to rise. Additionally, anxiety may affect how effectively you control your diabetes. You could neglect to take your medications, exercise, or eat properly. Find methods to relax via yoga, deep breathing, or relaxing pastimes.

6. Schedule routine physicals and eye examinations

Schedule two to four diabetic appointments yearly, in addition to your annual physical and regular eye examinations.

During the physical, your health care provider will inquire about your diet and exercise level and search for any diabetes-related consequences — including indicators of kidney damage, nerve damage, and heart disease — as well as screen for other medical concerns. They will also inspect your feet for any abnormalities that may require treatment.

Your eye care professional will look for indicators of retinal degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Diabetes is a serious condition. Therefore, you need to commit to your treatment plan to manage the disease. Call Harbor Community Health Centers to book your appointment for diabetes management.