A diabetes diagnosis can be overwhelming and scary. The good news is that there are several proactive steps that you can take to manage this severe health condition. Here are five of the best ways to manage your diabetes.
Understand the Complications: Understanding the most common complications of diabetes will help you to recognize the symptoms and treat them before it becomes a severe issue. Diabetic neuropathy happens due to nerve damage, bringing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the feet and legs. Some people with diabetes also experience eye issues such as blurry vision, loss of sight, or pressure in the eyes.
Be Proactive About Your Care: By being proactive about your care, you will limit the odds that you experience complications due to your diagnosis. This means that you need to maintain a close relationship with your healthcare provider to ensure that you take the correct medications and monitor your health as needed. For example, when it comes to diabetes management, a service such as Tandem Diabetes can be an invaluable tool in your arsenal. Offering a variety of modern insulin pumps, you will enjoy a hassle-free way to manage your condition.
Nourish Your Body: There is no substitute for good nutrition when dealing with a severe health issue such as diabetes. People with diabetes should aim to eat foods from all groups, focusing on whole foods, fresh produce, and lean proteins. You should also limit the number of saturated fats, sodium, and added sugar that you take in.
Get in Your Exercise: In addition to nourishing your body with the right foods, you also need to be intentional about exercising regularly. A consistent exercise program is beneficial in lowering your blood sugar and increasing your sensitivity to insulin. It would help if you aimed to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise on most days of the week to see this benefit. It does not have to be an all-or-nothing approach when it comes to exercise. A few walks around the block each day can add up and boost your overall health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: One of the positive effects of being intentional about eating well and exercising regularly is that it will be easier to maintain a healthy weight. Excess fat makes you more likely to become resistant to insulin. To determine your target weight range, it is good to look at a Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator. This method uses your height and weight to determine if you need to shed some fat. Maintaining a healthy weight will also help you manage some of the secondary complications of diabetes.
While you will always have to live with being a diabetic on some level, being diligent about following these five tips will help you better manage your diabetes to live the healthiest life possible.
