Although diabetes is a chronic condition that at the moment has no cure, having it does not mean that you can not lead a long, active and full life. These tips will help you keep it at bay and avoid or delay complications.
There is something better than giving up and feeling sad when diagnosed with diabetes, and it is taking specific measures, within your lifestyle, to live better despite the condition. Here we provide you a few:
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Stay informed about your diabetes
What type of diabetes do you live with? Type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes? Do you know the difference between one and the other? Or the consequences of not managing your blood glucose levels? Now is the time for you to learn as much as you can about the condition with which you must live. There are continuous information and news about treatments and ways to live healthier with diabetes. From medications with different mechanisms of action to different types of insulin, news about the foods that you should consume or avoid, etc. -
Build your perfect healthcare team, moreover, join them
Periodic communication with your doctor is essential so that you can manage, your blood glucose levels. Keep a good record of your visits and do not skip any. Also, there are other specialists to which you must go, at least once a year (the dentist and the ophthalmologist for example). In addition to the support team that includes the certified diabetes educator and, if indicated, a registered dietitian. -
Frequently check your glucose levels
Knowing how your blood sugar levels are, it is crucial to managing diabetes. Do not overlook this step. Use these data, so you know if your treatment is working or not. Talk to your doctor and discuss how often you should check your bg. -
Be a savvy eater
Balanced nutrition is vital for everyone’s health. But for people with diabetes, it is much more. What you eat and the amount you eat directly influences the level of blood glucose. In your case, the key lies in the control of portions and carbohydrates. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can tell you what foods will benefit you more and which foods to avoid. -
Exercise
More and more studies indicate that physical activity (even if it is only walking 20 minutes a day) is essential to control diabetes. Also, it helps you maintain a healthy weight, something that is also important to avoid complications with this condition. -
Beware of salt
Did you know that people with diabetes also have to control the salt they consume? This is to avoid high blood pressure (hypertension) and its consequent damage to the kidneys. Limit the amount of salt you add to your food. Also carefully reads the labels of processed foods, since many contain a lot of sodium. -
Do not even think about smoking
If you want to live as much as possible, “Avoid the cigarette!”. The habit of smoking is one of the risk factors that influence the development of type 2 diabetes. But if you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, it is imperative that you quit smoking as soon as possible. According to data from the American Heart Association, about 22 percent of adults with diabetes smoke, which puts them at higher risk of developing complications, and not only of the heart or lungs but also damage in nerve endings (neuropathy) and kidney disease. Of course, people with diabetes who smoke have three times more risk of dying due to cardiovascular complications than those who do not smoke and, have greater difficulty in maintaining their blood glucose levels in healthy ranges, the tobacco raises them. -
Beware of skin infections
People with diabetes are more prone to develop skin dryness, injuries, and infections by fungi or bacteria in the skin, but also suffer from other conditions that affect only the skin of people with diabetes. If you notice any change, redness, swelling, itching or scaly skin on the body or face, consult your doctor. Maybe you should visit a dermatologist to control the condition. -
Take good care of your feet
Diabetes can reduce circulation in the blood, especially in the extremities. This makes it harder for your body to recover from injuries or injuries. Also, because diabetes also damages nerves, you may not feel any sores or blisters that appear on your feet. That is why it is vital to check carefully every day, to make sure you do not have any injuries. And if you notice something, you should have it checked as soon as possible before it becomes infected. -
Reduce stress
Stress can have a particularly adverse effect if you have diabetes: it could make you forget to take your medications, measure your blood glucose levels … or make you eat – or drink – what you should not! Besides, stress hormones can alter your glucose. To avoid this, you could do breathing exercises, meditation or something else that helps you relax.
Motivate yourself to start the changes today so that living with diabetes does not make you such a heavy burden. If you do, you will be taking control and assume the condition with responsibility and discipline, determining factors to control and overcome any health problem.
