Medical statistics reveal that more than thirty million individuals in the U.S. have diabetes, with extra million prediabetes. Diabetes (high blood sugar) is a chronic disease that occurs when your body cannot manufacture sufficient insulin that helps control your blood sugar levels. The condition can seriously affect your health and life quality. It hence requires effective daily management. If you have been diagnosed with Bastrop diabetes, working with a skilled physician can help give you the support and tools required to manage your condition. Here is a look at some of the healthy tips for diabetes management to help you live your best possible life.
Regular Exercises
Undertaking a regular exercise routine can help diabetes patients lower their A1C. Aim to engage in around 30 minutes of aerobic exercise such as riding, walking, swimming, or biking at least five days a week. Consider adding several light-strengthening sessions weekly to build muscles that utilize blood sugar for fuel. Regular exercise will also help reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Following A Healthy Diet
Diabetes patients need to monitor their carbohydrate intake. As a diabetes patient, increasing your consumption of fiber-rich foods is recommended. Choose whole grains, vegetables, and fruit over sugary and refined foods wherever possible.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is a significant part of diabetes management. You don’t have to lose many pounds to enjoy the weight loss benefits if you have diabetes. Research shows that a person who loses only around 5 to 10 percent of their weight is highly likely to lower their sugar blood levels significantly.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
Alcohol can cause low or high blood sugar based on the amount you drink. If you decide to drink, ensure to do it in moderation. For women, you should take at most one drink a day, and for men, not more than two drinks. Also, always include the calories from any alcohol you drink in your daily calorie count.
Reduce Stress
When stressed, you are more likely to drink more, exercise less, and forget to watch your diabetes. Stress can also increase your blood sugar levels and make you less sensitive to insulin. According to research studies, most stressed people experience high blood sugar levels as the body adopts a fight-or-flight response. Therefore, if you are feeling stressed, try doing things that can help you relax, such as exercise, meditation, and favorite hobbies.
Quit Smoking
Around one in six diabetes patients are smokers. Smoking enhances your risk of type 2 diabetes and other diabetes complications such as stroke, heart disease, vision loss, kidney disease, nerve damage, and even amputation. Therefore, quit smoking if you do. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways of helping you stop smoking.
If you properly manage your diabetes condition with the help of these tips, you can still stay healthy. Diabetes care is within your control. If you are willing to do your part, diabetes will not stand in your way of leading a healthy, active life. Also, you should schedule regular medical checkups with your doctor to check your progress and any diabetes-related complications.