Top Tips To Manage Diabetes

Living with diabetes can certainly be a challenge. And while there is no cure for diabetes, you can still live a healthy, active, and enjoyable life with the condition. Most of us know that to manage diabetes you’ll need to keep regular tabs on your blood sugar levels. But did you know that there are a few other things you can do that will help you manage diabetes too?

Here, we go over some of the key things that you can do to help keep your health and wellbeing in prime condition while living with diabetes.

Regularly check your blood sugar to manage diabetes

People with diabetes are not able to produce or respond to insulin in the same way that people without the condition can. This means that your body can’t metabolize carbohydrates normally and that glucose levels are elevated in the bloodstream.

For this reason, whether you have type 1 and type 2 diabetes you’ll need to keep regular checks on your blood sugar levels.

Diet

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you should aim to follow a healthy meal plan with a focus on:

• Whole grains which are rich in fiber
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Lean protein.

Because too many carbohydrates at one meal or sitting can have a negative effect on people with diabetes, causing blood sugar levels to spike, you should aim for a diet that has a lower overall carbohydrate intake.

If you’re struggling to find a diet that hits the right macronutrient balance and works for your diabetes, please see a healthcare professional.

Eye exams

Another way to manage diabetes is to have regular eye exams. The reason for this is that your medical practitioners can check for changes in the retina blood vessels that may indicate diabetic retinopathy.

Feet care

Caring for your feet is important when it comes to how you manage diabetes. Complications that result from the condition may cause lasting nerve damage, ulcers, infections, and other issues that affect your feet. Amputation is a worst-case scenario which can be avoided by proper foot care.

For this reason, it is very, very important to check your feet daily and make sure that your feet are checked by your medical health professional once a year at least.

Dental care

Regular dental checks are a great weapon in your own manage diabetes toolbelt. Did you know that research has suggested that control of gum disease can decrease the progression of diabetes? Good dental hygiene can also improve your blood sugar control.

To make sure you’re doing all you can to manage diabetes, brush your teeth twice daily, use mouthwash. You also need to have professional cleanings done by a dentist or dental hygienist every 6 months.

If you’re living with diabetes be sure to do your utmost to keep yourself as fit and healthy as possible. To manage diabetes and live your best life possible, follow the tips above, get regular exercise, enough sleep, and drink lots of water.