Healthy Habits: Living With Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to a host of medical problems, everything from nerve damage to kidney failure. The best way to prevent or slow the development of these problems is to control your blood sugar levels. First and foremost, if your doctor has prescribed insulin or other medications, take them as prescribed. And be sure to check your blood sugar levels as recommended by your doctor. Here are some other lifestyle recommendations for help you manage your diabetes.
STAY ACTIVE
Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling or jogging, enables the body to take more sugar into the cells, and helps control your weight. Be sure to talk to your personal physician before beginning any form of exercise. If you take medication to control your diabetes, be sure to carry a granola bar or some other form of carbohydrate in case your blood sugar level drops too low.
LOSE THE WEIGHT
Even just losing a little weight, from five to 15 pounds, can help lower your blood sugar levels.
EAT SMART
Carbohydrates have the greatest impact on your blood sugar levels. Experts say carbohydrates should provide 40 to 65 percent of your calories. Try to limit the amount you consume, but don’t eat less than 130 grams a day. Eat foods low in fat and high in whole grains. Instead of processed and sugar-laden foods, eat whole grain products. Replace soft drinks with water. Eating at least two pieces of fruit and at least three servings of vegetables every day is also a good rule of thumb. You can help stabilize your blood sugar level by eating three meals a day at the same time every day. If you’re taking insulin, a snack before bedtime can help prevent low blood sugar during the night.
CHECK YOUR EYES AND FEET
Have an annual eye exam: Diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness, but it usually does not exhibit any symptoms until it is quite advanced.
Take care of your feet: Diabetes can reduce blood flow to your feet and damage nerves. Check your feet regularly for cuts and sores that might go undetected because of lack of nerve feeling. If you have a wound on your foot that won’t heal, call your doctor.
364 words