Blogs

5 Diabetes Management Tips to Follow

Sre Iswarrya Hospital July 14, 2023
5 Diabetes Management Tips to Follow

Introduction

Managing diabetes could be a continuous process where one could face various troubles. While occasional lows and highs in blood sugar could be usual, a good diabetes management plan could help you limit the spikes. Diabetic people require special care to keep their diabetes under control. Visiting the best diabetologist in Coimbatore is necessary.

Check out the blog for additional ways to effectively manage diabetes

Tips for managing diabetes

It's essential to start with a clear understanding of diabetes and its impact on treatment and care. Diabetes management relies on daily decisions, and it starts with changes in everyday routine. When confused with it, one can start with these 5 steps to manage diabetes effectively.

1. Monitoring blood glucose level:

Doctors will advise on how frequently to monitor your blood sugar levels. The testing frequency is determined by the type of diabetes and the treatment strategy. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial as it provides information about the current state of diabetes control. One can identify patterns and trends and adjust lifestyle and medications. Blood sugar levels exceeding the recommended range may indicate medicine, food, or exercise adjustments. Monitoring helps healthcare professionals make informed treatment decisions.

2. Healthy diet:

Diet is an important cornerstone in diabetes management. This can be especially true when one does not take insulin. It is tough to exclude certain foods and limit your meal, but it is vital to preserve your health. While planning meals, one needs to consider a few important things:

  • Adding a healthy source of carbs: Learning how to measure carbs is necessary for diabetes control strategies. One should avoid refined and processed carbs, but opt for high-fiber, mineral-rich ones for gradual energy delivery. These include whole grains, brown rice, vegetables, and dairy products.
  • Less salt intake: Excessive salt intake increases blood pressure, leading to the risk of heart disease and stroke. Reduce daily salt intake to prevent these health risks.
  • Adding more fruits and veg: Choose whole fruit over fruit drinks, as they contain added sugar. Spread fruit and vegetables throughout the day for a healthy, balanced diet.

3. Regular physical activity:

Frequent exercise enhances insulin sensitivity and blood glucose regulation. Exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle, but rigid training schedules can lead to failure. Explore new workouts or even short daily walks for a more convenient form of exercise. Engaging in regular physical activity offers various benefits:

  • Improved insulin sensitivity: Exercise increases insulin receptivity, enhancing glucose absorption and utilization.
  • Blood sugar control: One can lower blood sugar levels by making exercise a part of their routine. Familiarize yourself with exercise-related blood glucose responses, checking before and after exercise. This helps to understand the benefits and prevent excessively high or low blood glucose levels.
  • Stress reduction: Physical activity helps in stress reduction by stimulating the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain acting as mood elevators.

4. Regular doctor appointments:

Why is it necessary to consult a doctor on a regular basis? Regular doctor's appointments help individuals receive comprehensive medical treatment, monitor their health, and address diabetes-related concerns. Seek a doctor every six months, three months, or month to assess blood sugar control. Assessments include physical examinations, blood pressure checks, renal function tests, eye and foot exams, and other tests to monitor and manage issues.

You may ask questions at this time. Ask questions about a medication's mechanism of action or the significance of a therapy suggested by your doctor. If necessary, seek a specialist consultation.

5. Quit smoking and alcohol:

Alcohol consumption causes the liver to struggle to eliminate sugar from the blood, affecting blood sugar control. Kick alcohol and smoking habits completely. It will improve your control over blood sugar levels. Smoking and alcohol increase health problems like:

  • Heart and renal issues.
  • It can interfere with insulin levels or diabetes medications.
  • Infections, ulcers, and amputation of your toes or feet due to poor blood supply to your legs and feet.
  • Retinopathy - an eye illness leading to blindness.
  • Peripheral neuropathy is caused by nerve injury in the arms and legs, resulting in weakness, numbness, discomfort, and impaired coordination.

Conclusion

These steps can simplify your diabetes management. Proper food choices and regular physical activities could play a vital role.

Never use over-the-counter medications to self-medicate. Even though your doctor prescribed the medication and dose, you must monitor how your body reacts to it and report any worrying symptoms, such as a quick drop in glucose. It is critical to keep track of how your body reacts to the lifestyle changes you are implementing regularly. This enables you to maintain healthy habits while eliminating unhealthy ones.

For individuals with diabetes, having a doctor who comprehends their concerns, knows their medical history, and has experience in managing the condition is essential. The best diabetes hospital in Coimbatore provides the best treatment methods and ways to control diabetes effectively.