Receiving a diagnosis of Type II diabetes can be downright depressing for some. You may feel embarrassed, overwhelmed, and hopeless, but there’s no need to despair.
You’re certainly not alone either. Over 100 million Americans in 2015 were diagnosed with either prediabetes or diabetes.
It’s possible to live a healthy and fulfilling life once you know how to treat it properly. The truth is diabetes is a manageable condition. Diabetic control solutions can help you to get your numbers to healthier levels and make you feel more in control of this condition.
Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of knowledge, support, and a positive outlook to manage diabetes. Guidance from your doctor is also an extremely helpful way to get your diabetes under control.
It’s worth noting, however, that change can be difficult. Receiving a diagnosis of diabetes does mean that you’ll need to change some aspects of your lifestyle. It’s difficult for anyone to change their lifestyle, but it is certainly doable and can be an enjoyable experience that can make you happier and healthier for the rest of your life.
Want to learn how to control diabetes? Read on to discover 10 diabetic control solutions.
Managing your diabetes is essential to your health. By controlling your diabetes, you’re also reducing the chance of having heart problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Other complications resulting from diabetes include kidney disease, stroke, and neuropathy.
Explore the following diabetic control solutions to get your diabetes, health, and well-being under control.
First and foremost, it’s essential to listen to your doctor’s advice. When diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor should give you a management plan, educational materials, and maybe even a prescription. They might also make recommendations for purchasing sugar-free medications like sugar-free cough suppressant.
If you’re prediabetic, your healthcare provider will likely give you similar resources. However, you’re more likely to have an opportunity to lower your blood sugar levels through lifestyles changes alone without medication.
Take your medication as prescribed. You should also see your doctor on a regular basis to check in and see how you’re doing. Seeing your doctor regularly can also help you to be more accountable for following your diabetes management plan.
A diabetes diagnosis requires some lifestyle changes. One of the more difficult changes to your lifestyle will be dietary changes. But, over time with support and guidance, you can learn how to love these changes and be happy you made them.
For diabetes, it’s important to manage your carbohydrate intake. To start, count the number of carbs you eat at each meal and for snacks. It’s important to eat carbs to maintain your blood sugar levels so they don’t get too high or too low.
To count carbs, aim to eat 15-20 grams of carbs per snack and 45-60 grams of carbs per meal. Consult your doctor or a dietitian to customize this amount based on your current lifestyle habits and the medications you are taking.
When selecting foods, aim to eat a well-balanced diet. A well-balanced diet consists of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, fried foods, and sugary drinks including most fruit juices.
Exercise helps your body to lower your blood sugar. But, it’s essential that you do it on a regular basis.
Aim to get 150 minutes of exercise per week. That translates to about 20 minutes of exercise per day or five 30 minute workouts per week. If you currently don’t exercise at all, consult your doctor before beginning an exercise routine.
At that time, your doctor may refer you to a personal trainer or provide you with exercise resources to gradually increase the amount you exercise.
Getting a good night’s sleep will help you manage your stress levels. The less bodily and mental stress you have, the easier it will be to follow your diabetic control solutions plan. Aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night for the best results.
Glucose is our fastest source of energy. When stressed, our bodies use glucose to enact an immediate flight-or-fight response. This raises our blood sugar but makes it more difficult for people with diabetes to return to normal levels.
Manage your stress by adding in enjoyable and calming activities such as meditation, seeing encouraging friends, and exercising.
It’s important to get support when managing diabetes. Your support team can consist of your doctor, family, and friends, a health coach, or another healthcare professional. You could also join a support group with others who were diagnosed with diabetes.
Having support will help you to be more cognizant of your goals and reduce stress when learning how to manage your condition.
Know your fasting glucose levels, non-fasting glucose, A1c, and your cholesterol levels. You might also want to get your kidney protein levels checked as well. Consult with your doctor to know exactly how often to check these levels and when to check them.
Set goals for yourself that help you to manage your diabetes on a daily basis. For example, you could set a goal to take a 25-minute walk every day. You could also set a goal to meditate for 20 minutes or talk to a friend on the phone.
Managing your diabetes is challenging but it also doesn’t need to be a drag. Set goals that aim to manage your diabetes, but also are personal goals that have meaning to you as well.
Aim to quit smoking and reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake. All of these substances can wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels or make you more susceptible to diabetes complications like heart disease.
Use apps, lists, and goal setting to keep yourself accountable. Managing your diabetes will be a lifelong journey, and you’ll need to learn how to be accountable to remain healthy and fulfilled.
These diabetic control solutions don’t just apply to people with diabetes. Most of these tips are crucial for anyone wanting to live a healthier and more enjoyable life. Allow your diabetes diagnosis to be the catalyst for living a more healthy life, instead of feeling singled out.
While it may not seem fair that you need to be more aware of these diabetic control solutions, it’s certainly an opportunity to better your life and make it more fulfilling overall.
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