Diabetes is an unpleasant chronic illness that affects millions of people all around the world. While you cannot get rid of diabetes altogether, there are ways to help manage it – many of which encompass changes to your lifestyle. With the right adjustment to your habits, you can live a healthier, longer, and more stress-free life. Here are four of the most recommended.
1: Healthy Eating
What you put into your body is crucial as a diabetes sufferer. While everyone should maintain a healthy diet for better health overall, when you have diabetes, it’s essential to control your blood sugar levels – something that is impacted by what you eat. Your doctor will tell you what the best foods to consume are, but in general, you should focus on eating a varied, balanced diet and reducing the amount of fat and sugar in your diet. Think colorful vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and complex carbs. Complex carbs are particularly beneficial, as they break down slower than other carbs, meaning your blood sugar levels don’t rise too fast.
As well as healthy eating, you should also use a blood sugar management system that will show you your glucose levels throughout the day. That way, you can determine over time the best foods for regulating your blood sugar levels.
2: Regular Check-ups
It’s advised that you see your doctor at least twice a year when you have diabetes. On top of getting your blood sugar levels checked, the doctor will also be able to check you for other illnesses that are common with diabetics. For example, you might need your eyes, feet, and blood pressure checked more regularly than the average person. Try to go to the same doctor each time for your regular check-ups, as they will understand your health as an individual over time.
3: Plenty of Exercise
Exercise is essential for diabetics, even if it just includes an extra 30 minutes of walking every day! This is because your body becomes more sensitive to insulin when it moves more – something you certainly want to be aiming at.
On top of that, exercise naturally leads to weight loss, which will help you manage your symptoms and increase your energy levels. Try to get in at least 20 minutes of exercise per day for best results.
4: Stress Management
Those suffering from a chronic illness are at risk of increased stress levels. After all, you have to deal with managing an illness and its unpleasant symptoms on top of other ordinary stressors like work, kids, and finances. Plus, better stress management will help keep your blood pressure down, too – something that’s especially crucial for diabetics.
Some simple methods for reducing stress include practicing meditation, speaking out about your problems, taking time to yourself, and understanding your stress triggers. Once your stress levels are more balanced, you’ll find managing your diabetes much easier.
These four lifestyle changes will surely help you manage your illness effectively, allowing you to enjoy your life despite a diabetes diagnosis.
