People who live with diabetes know that managing their blood sugars consistently and having a daily self-care routine can make it much easier to live with this chronic disease.
In this post, we’ll explore the best ways to self-manage diabetes, and where to get medical help if you need additional support.
Tips for Diabetes Self-Management
There are many ways you can manage diabetes with lifestyle modifications and additional resources. Here are the main components to successful diabetes self-management:
Diet
One of the easiest things you can do to stay healthy with diabetes is to fill your body with good, nutritious meals. When you have diabetes, working to keep your blood sugar at target levels is important for your overall health. So you’ll want to work with a dietitian or diabetes educator to develop a plan that addresses both the types of foods you should eat and a schedule for when to consume them.
An experienced professional will be able to advise you on reading labels at the grocery store, making the best choices when eating out, counting carbohydrates and what portion sizes to aim for to maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise
Physical activity is essential to good health, especially when managing weight as a way to control diabetes. It’s recommended that you make time for at least 30 minutes of physical activity into each day, whether it be walking, swimming, dancing or another cardio exercise.
Talk with your health provider about the right types of activities for you, and build a plan together that’s both enjoyable and will work for your schedule.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
In addition to eating well, it’s often necessary to check your blood glucose levels to ensure you’re in a safe zone. Depending on the type of diabetes you have, you may need to check your blood sugar when you first wake up, before a meal, two hours after a meal and right before you go to bed. In some cases, more frequent checks will be necessary.
If your blood sugar level drops below your target, you can do things such as drinking fruit juice or soda, eating hard candy or taking glucose tablets. If you run high, you may also need to take insulin or other medication to stay within your target levels. Your provider will be able to guide you through your best options and dosage amounts.
Being Prepared in Case of Natural Disasters
When natural disasters occur, diabetic patients can be among the most vulnerable if they’re not adequately prepared. Lack of access to medication and health services can threaten your health, and potentially your life.
Diabetics should have a preparedness plan that includes insulin storage, blood sugar meter protection (from the elements), and a checklist of items to keep in your diabetic kit in case of emergency.
Mental Health
Untreated mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and stress can intensify the effects of diabetes, so it’s important to address those issues as you would your physical health.
Diabetes distress, the emotional stress caused by living with diabetes, is a real issue that can cause you to abandon self-care and develop dangerous habits for your health. Skipping doctor appointments, neglecting to check your blood sugar, and letting your weight get out of control can all result from diabetes distress.
If you’re feeling discontented or overwhelmed by your condition, seek help from a healthcare provider so your disease can be managed appropriately and doesn’t get worse.
Get Support from a Healthcare Provider
If you need advice and support from a healthcare provider to manage your diabetes, request an appointment with one of our primary care providers. As needed, they can refer you to our Endocrinology or Nutrition & Diabetes Education department for additional support.