Ways to Help You Learn to Manage Your Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious long-term condition that needs to be managed very strictly, in order to lead a healthy life. Diabetes is not just a simple disease; it is sometimes called a silent killer that if not managed properly can cause numerous health problems. However, with the right amount of care, diabetic patients can also lead a long healthy life.

Know Your Diabetes Type

There are different types of diabetes, and each type requires its own management plan. Knowing your diabetes type is really important because then only you know how to manage diabetes, what diet you should take, symptoms, care and everything else. So, there are three types:

• Type 1 Diabetes: this type is when your body does not make insulin. Insulin is important as that is what breaks sugars/glucose in your body and converts it into energy. You may have to take direct insulin in such a case. This is a genetic condition and happens early on in life
• Type 2 Diabetes: This type of diabetes when your body does not use insulin properly or does not make it. You will have to take pills or insulin to manage diabetes. This is a lifestyle related condition that develops over time.
• Gestational Diabetes: This type occurs in women when they are pregnant. You have to take pills or just control your diet to manage diabetes as it is not constant and usually goes away after pregnancy, but there is a high chance that the mother or children might get diabetes later in their life.

Eat a Balanced and Healthy Diet

After you learn your type of diabetes, managing it becomes a bit easy because you get specific medicines and now you can ask a dietitian what diet you should follow. Remember carbohydrates turn into sugar and your insulin is not present to break sugar which can cause high glucose levels. So, to manage diabetes, you should avoid sugar, fats and carbohydrates. You can take vegetables, fruits, nonfat dairy, lean meats and whole grains. Just make sure to see how your body reacts to different foods and then eat accordingly.

Workout is Your Best Friend

Staying active is the key to manage diabetes as it helps with bringing down blood sugar levels. So, a session of active games, bike rides and walking would be enough. Just make sure you are working out for at least thirty minutes a day to sweat out the necessary carbs, and you’ll be able to manage your diabetes easily.

Stop Alcohol and Smoking

To manage diabetes you should stop smoking or drinking alcohol. Alcohol increases blood sugar levels and smoking creates problems when you are exercising and also increases the chances of you getting lung, heart, kidney and other serious diseases.

Manage Stress and Illnesses

When you are stressed or ill your body works differently. Both are not good if you have to manage your diabetes. What you can do is divert your attention, take proper medication, stick to your healthy meals, practice meditation and mindfulness to release stress.