Having a chronic disease, such as Diabetes, can be overwhelming. The good news is that you can have diabetes and still live a long and healthy life. Here are some steps to take right now to improve your health if you have Diabetes.
- Stop skipping meals: Meal skipping leads to dramatic highs and lows in your blood sugar which can be taxing on the body. Avoid waiting too long between meals to help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
- Move your body in a way you enjoy: Exercise can help you lower your blood sugar level. The key is to find a form of movement that you truly enjoy! Whether it is dancing, yoga, biking, kayaking, hiking, or heading to the gym, the best workout is the one you enjoy because that is the one you will actually do! Always check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen.
- Stop putting off that doctor’s visit: When you have Diabetes, you should schedule regular visits with your primary care provider, ophthalmologist (eye doctor), podiatrist (foot doctor), dentist, and, if possible, a Registered Dietitian.
- Understand your numbers and use your glucometer to your advantage: Understanding what your blood sugar numbers mean is so important for your health. Those numbers will tell you if your Diabetes is controlled and will even give you an idea of how various meals affect your blood sugar. Speak with your provider to find out your target range before and after meals. Ask what to do if your sugar is higher or lower than that number.
- Eat balanced meals, most of the time: The food you eat directly impacts your blood sugar. Eating balanced meals most of the time will help keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout most of the day. For a balanced meal, strive for ¼ plate of complex carbohydrates (such as brown rice, whole wheat bread or tortillas, legumes, oats), ¼ plate of lean protein (fish, lean meat, low fat cheese, vegetarian meat alternatives, eggs) and ½ plate of non-starchy vegetables. Add healthy fats (such as avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fish). Enjoy water as your main beverage.
To learn more, visit:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-exercise-when-you-have-diabetes
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well/meal-plan-method.html
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.