Lifestyle Tips For Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition involving compromised blood sugar and insulin. The first form of this condition, type 1 diabetes, is the result of the pancreas not being able to produce enough insulin. This is what the body uses to regulate blood glucose. Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to use insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes is the more common of the two, with over a million new cases being diagnosed in the United States alone every year. Symptoms include thirst, weight loss, fatigue, increased urination, and blurry vision. Serious complications include heart disease, vision problems, high blood pressure, and kidney failure.

Most patients who have diabetes need to have a blood sugar monitor at their home so they can perform a regular sugar check. Doctors will also use a glucose meter at appointments. Insulin pumps are also very common, along with vitamins for diabetics. To avoid using these glucose monitors and insulin injections constantly, patients must pay close attention to their lifestyle.

Always Monitor Blood Sugar

Every patient with diabetes, no matter which type or how severe their condition is, has to always monitor their blood glucose. They must do this consistently so that they can keep control over the levels and avoid disastrous complications. Type 1 diabetes patients may have to take readings up to 10 times a day. Type 2 diabetes must usually check their blood sugar up to 2 to 3 times daily, though some are only required to do this once a day. This is especially important for those who are taking insulin or other diabetes medications.

A variety of devices are available for diabetes patients to use at home. Older devices require taking finger pricks and putting blood on a diabetes test strip before inserting the strip into the monitor. Others require fewer pricks. There are also continuous glucose monitors available. This will monitor a patient’s blood sugar constantly and let them know when they fall outside of the specified range. Doctors will discuss these options with each patient to determine which one is best for their needs.

Get the full details on how diabetes patients should use their diet to help their condition next.

Follow A Balanced Diet

Everyone with diabetes has to follow a healthy and balanced diet. This is even more important because they cannot eat the same amount of sugar as someone without the disease. Eating too much sugar causes their blood glucose to go up even more and may result in issues like diabetic ketoacidosis. Thus, diabetes patients are better off following a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and complex carbohydrates, along with lean protein. They must avoid processed food, saturated fats, and simple carbohydrates.

The best complex carbohydrates include brown rice, oatmeal, legumes, and whole wheat bread. Healthy fats for individuals with diabetes include what is found in avocados and fatty fish. Individuals should plan a diet with their doctor or registered dietitian and take blood glucose readings before and after meals.

Discover exactly how exercise is good for keeping diabetes in check next.

Get Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is vital for patients with diabetes. This helps keep their risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease low. It also lessens their reliance on medication to control their blood glucose and blood pressure. It does this as exercise makes the body more responsive to insulin. In the case of type 2 diabetes, this means the body will be better able to use the insulin it does make.

The normal expert recommendation for exercise is 30 minutes of moderate to intense activity 5 days a week. This is a good starting point, but many doctors say individuals with diabetes should try getting more than this whenever possible. Good types of exercise include yoga, swimming, walking, jogging, and strength training.

Stress does more than most individuals think. Learn about its major connection to diabetes and how it can both hurt and help next.

Manage Stress

Many individuals do not realize this, but when they are stressed out, their blood sugar will go up. This is because the body is getting extra energy ready for a ‘fight or flight’ response. Higher blood glucose is good for individuals who are considered healthy. This is the response they want, since stress also helps them get out of danger. It is meant to be a short term response.

Unfortunately, chronic stress can have devastating effects, particularly on diabetes patients. This is because it contributes to consistently elevated blood sugar. It will also boost insulin resistance, which makes it much more difficult for diabetes patients to manage their condition effectively. There are countless options for stress management, which can get overwhelming for some. What works for each patient will vary, but good strategies to start with including taking a relaxing bath, reading, doing yoga, and listening to calming music. Some even try meditating.

Continue reading to understand how sleep can help diabetes patients next.

Get Good Quality Sleep

Research has shown that sleep has a significant impact on diabetes. The lower the quality of sleep and length of sleep is, the more likely it is that patients will mismanage their diabetes. We know individuals are more likely to eat more food during the day if they are not sleeping well. They are also more apt to make unhealthy choices. This applies to individuals with diabetes too. The effects of sleep deprivation are even worse for diabetes patients, since we know it has a strong connection to high blood glucose and insulin resistance. This makes it much harder for diabetes patients to keep their blood glucose in check, often resulting in more medication or other complications.

Everyone should get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. It helps to have a quiet environment with no distractions. Patients should also turn off all screens at least 2 hours before heading to sleep. Going to sleep at the same time is also helpful.