Diabetes is a difficult disease to live with, but it is also one that an increasing number of people have to deal with. In 2010 about 25.8 million people in the United States had diabetes, but in 2012 that figure went up to 29.1 million.
Diabetes management is extremely important for those who have this ailment, since it can be very devastating if it is not treated the way it needs to be. With the proper care and attention paid to diabetes, it is possible to greatly minimize the effects that it has on your life. Here are some of the best strategies to keep your diabetes under control.
Tweak Your Diet
Your diet can have a big impact on your sugar levels: as a result, this is one of the first things you should think about when you are considering how to control your diabetes. It is important that you eat a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients so that your diabetes isn’t set off by consuming foods that are too sugary or starchy.
The American Diabetes Association suggests using a tactic known as the plate method to help you improve your diet easily. With the plate method, you simply divide up your dinner plate into three sections: the largest section is for non-starchy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, cabbage, and green beans, one of the small sections is for grains or starchy foods like whole grain breads, rice, or pasta, and the last section is for proteins like chicken, fish, or turkey. You can also complement your meal with a serving of fruit and a healthy drink. Also be sure that you do not miss any meals, since this could lead to your blood sugar levels getting extremely low.
Get Active
Exercise has lots of benefits for all types of people, but it is especially valuable for those who are dealing with diabetes. Take time to balance your exercise levels with your intake of food: this way, you will have the energy you need to give you a good chance at maintaining a normal sugar level. If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and want to work out, be careful: if you feel yourself getting lightheaded or dizzy, stop immediately. Everyone’s body is different, so it is tough to say how your body will respond to exercise until you try doing some yourself.
Test Your Blood Glucose Levels
Your blood glucose or blood sugar levels are another consideration for those with diabetes. You must be sure that you have a good understanding of your levels so that you can adjust accordingly: also be sure that you carry the necessary equipment to check your glucose levels and make sure they are normal, wherever you are. The blood glucose test is usually done with a small prick on the fingertip that draws a blood sample for testing.
Consult a Specialist
Although diabetes patients usually have some symptoms in common, everyone is different and their bodies respond differently to diabetes. For the most effective diabetes management you should get advice from a trusted doctor or diabetes specialist to find out exactly how you can treat your own specific kind of diabetes.
The severity of your diabetes often hinges on how much action you take to prevent it from harming you. These diabetes management tips will help you get on the way to managing diabetes very easily.
