Learning how to manage your diabetes after receiving a diagnosis can be overwhelming. It’s common knowledge that diabetes can lead to job absences, hospital stays, vision and circulation difficulties, and even limb loss if the disease isn’t managed.
Managing diabetes has never been easier because of advances in technology such as insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring, blood glucose meters, and glucose testing strips.
It takes patience to manage diabetes on a daily basis, as fluctuations in blood sugar can occur even if you eat well, take your medications as directed, stay physically active, and follow your doctor’s orders. The process of learning how to manage one’s diabetes lasts a lifetime. Your blood sugar levels won’t be perfect all the time. Still, if you prioritise healthy habits and communicate well with your healthcare team, you can avoid serious difficulties and keep yourself healthy.
Why is controlling diabetes important?
No matter what kind of diabetes you have, it’s crucial that you take care of yourself and your high sugar levels. If you have gestational diabetes, Control your Diabetes will help you and your baby avoid potential health problems.
Below are the 7 tips that can help you avoid diabetes complications:
Visit your doctor:
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to find out what kind you have and how best to treat it.
Remove your shoes and socks at the doctor’s office so they may inspect your feet thoroughly and notice any potential infection sites. If your blood sugar levels are out of control and you’re having health problems, as a result, you may want to see an endocrinologist. Finally, don’t miss any of your doctor’s follow-up appointments.
Make sure to drink in moderation:
According to medical professionals, drinking alcohol can bring on symptoms of having low blood sugar. If you drink alcohol, your liver will work to process the alcohol, which can prevent it from performing another crucial role, which is to release sugar that has been stored in reaction to levels that are too low. Additionally, drinking alcohol can affect your capacity to think properly and choose an appropriate course of treatment for yourself.
Consume healthy foods that lower blood sugar:
Because blood glucose levels are affected by carbohydrates in any form, it is essential to be aware of the foods that include carbohydrates. Choose the foods that include carbohydrates that are better for you, and be conscious of the portion quantities you eat.
The following is a list of some good sources of carbohydrates:
- Foods made from unprocessed grains, such as brown rice, buckwheat, and whole oats
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Pulses such as chickpeas, beans and lentils
- Dairy like unsweetened yoghurt and milk.
At the same time, it is essential to limit your consumption of foods that are low in fibre, such as white bread, white rice, and cereals that have undergone a great deal of processing. If you are unclear about which foods are high in fibre, you can check the labels on the goods you purchase at the store.
Reduce your consumption of salt:
Consuming a large quantity of salt may raise the chance of developing high blood pressure, which in turn raises the Health Risks of Diabetes and the risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses and stroke. And if you currently have diabetes, your likelihood of developing any one of these illnesses is significantly increased.
Keep your daily salt intake to no more than 6 grams (one teaspoonful). Keep in mind to read food labels and pick ones with less salt, as many pre-packaged foods already include salt. You can control the amount of salt you consume by making your own food. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices in place of salt to boost the flavor.
Make vegetables and fruits a part of your food for diabetics:
We’re all aware of the health benefits associated with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Aim to eat more of them at meals and snack on them when you’re hungry. This can assist you in meeting your daily dietary requirements for essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
Perhaps you’re wondering if you should cut out fruit from your diet because of all the sugar it contains. As for the question, the reply is negative. Diabetics can benefit just as much as anyone else from eating whole fruits. The sugar in fruits is, at least, all-natural. It’s not the same as the added sugar (or free sugars) found in sweets like candy, cookies, and cakes.
Cut down on added sugars:
If you’re attempting to cut back on sugar but find it difficult at first, replacing one sweet item with another can be a smart start. One simple step is to switch to water, milk, or sugar-free tea and coffee instead of sugary drinks, energy drinks, and fruit juices.
Low- or no-calorie sweeteners (sometimes called artificial sweeteners) are always an option for those trying to cut back on their sugar intake. Reducing your intake of these sugary additives can aid in managing your diabetes complications and weight.
If you’re experiencing hypos as a result of your diabetes therapy, you shouldn’t stop drinking sugary drinks to manage your condition. However, if hypos occur frequently, you should talk to your diabetes doctor to discuss the side effects of diabetes.
Choose your snacks smartly:
Yoghurts, unsalted nuts and seeds, fruits, and vegetables are better options than chips, cookies, and candy when you’re craving a snack. Still, be mindful of your portion sizes to aid your weight management efforts.
Several methods exist for controlling blood sugar levels without resorting to medication.
Quite a few of them include adjusting one’s way of life in ways like eating better, getting more Exercise for Diabetes, decreasing one’s stress levels, and increasing one’s quality of sleep. However, alterations to your diet might have a significant impact.
Suppose you have trouble controlling your blood sugar or are currently taking medication. In that case, you should see your doctor before drastically changing your diet or starting any new supplements.
