Things You Should Know If You Have Diabetes
Diabetes currently affects more than 280 million people worldwide, including 6% of the United States’ entire population, and is estimated to double by the year 2030. Diabetes is a serious condition, but by choosing healthy foods, being physically active, and monitoring blood sugar levels, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing the complications associated with diabetes. Here are some helpful tips for living well with this disease:
1. Take a walk
Walking regularly can help make your body more sensitive to insulin, increase weight loss, and give you better control of your blood sugar levels. Not only is it easy on your muscles and joints, but it rarely causes low blood sugar. Other modes of exercise, such as cycling, swimming, jogging, aerobics, and weight lifting can also be included in your exercise plan.
2. Take good care of your feet
Tending to your feet is essential in maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. Your feet are vulnerable to poor circulation and diabetic nerve damage, making it easier for you to sustain injuries that do not heal and get infected. Be sure to wear well-fitting, comfortable shoes and socks, and be sure to check your feet at the end of each day to look for cuts, blisters, or other skin irritations.
3. Know high blood sugar symptoms
The symptoms of hyperglycemia differ for everyone, but, generally, if your blood sugar is high, you will:
* Have to urinate more frequently
* Feel extremely tired or will lack energy
* Feel hungrier or thirstier than usual
* Have blurry or distorted vision
Regulating your blood glucose levels is critical to living healthy. Hyperglycemia puts you at risk for heart problems, infections, stroke, vision impairment, amputation, kidney disease, and sexual problems.
4. Lose weight
Being overweight makes blood sugar control especially difficult since this causes resistance to insulin. Excess weight may also raise your blood pressure, making you more prone to kidney disease or stroke.
5. Always carry healthy snacks
Carrying healthy snacks can help you avoid unhealthy alternatives, such as junk food or fast food, and can significantly reduce the chance of developing hypoglycemia. Choose wholesome snacks with 15 grams of carbohydrates or less per serving, particularly whole grain foods, fruits, and vegetables.
6. Understand that sugar-free foods are not calorie- and carb-free
While a food labeled “sugar-free” must have less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving, it could still contain calories and carbohydrates. Sugar-free pudding, for example, contains 0 grams of sugar per serving, but still has 70 calories and 6 grams of carbohydrates.
7. Limit alcohol
Alcohol will interfere with your body’s ability to produce blood sugar. While a minimal amount will generally not cause low blood sugar, too much can result in low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.
8. Get an annual eye exam
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States; however, many eye problems are treatable if detected early. People with diabetes are also prone to developing cataracts or double vision. An annual eye exam by a doctor who specializes in diabetic eye disease is the best way to detect eye problems in the early stages when they are most easily treated.
9. Be especially cautious about blood sugar during pregnancy
Babies born to diabetic mothers have greater risks for birth defects and stillbirth. However, many problems can be averted if you maintain near normal blood sugar before and during pregnancy. It is most critical to control your blood sugar during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy when the baby’s organs are forming in order to reduce these risks.
10. Employ a good healthcare team
Having a competent and compassionate healthcare team is the best strategy to manage diabetes. Your family physician, a diabetes education nurse, and a nutritionist are all core members of your team and can help you live healthy with diabetes.
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