Steps To Follow To Manage Your Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease, which means if you are diagnosed – you’ll you have to live with it for the rest of your life.

Although this can discourage you, there are ways to control your sugar levels with the proper medical care and making certain changes in your lifestyle.

Here are two crucial steps in taking control of your chronic illness, diabetes.

Step 1: Learn more about diabetes

There are three different types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes

Your body cannot produce insulin and therefore you have to take insulin or extract sugar from the food you eat to create energy.

• Type 2 diabetes

Your body cannot use or make insulin. Therefore you have to take pills to control your diabetes. This is one of the most common types of diabetes.

• Gestational diabetes

Usually women during pregnancy are diagnosed with this type of diabetes, which goes away after the baby is born. However, there is a chance of reoccurring diabetes to the woman and her children.

It’s important to take diabetes seriously and eat a healthier diet. You must watch your weight regularly and keep yourself mobile every day. Take your medicine at the correct times and check your sugar level regularly.

If your blood sugar remains normal then you will have more energy and won’t get tired or thirsty.

Diabetes can lead to the following problems:

• Stroke or heart attack;

• Eyesight problems that can result in blindness;

• Nerve damage;

• Kidney problems; and

• Teeth or gum problems.

Step 2: Learn how you can lead a normal life with diabetes

It’s important to learn how to control your stress as it can increase your blood sugar. Focus on completing deep breathing exercises, going on daily walks, taking your meditation, gardening, listen to your favorite music, or working on your hobby.

A support group, counselor, friends and family can all offer advice on keeping healthy, such as diet tips:

• Eat well: Make a meal plan with the help of your dietician;

• Opt for lower calorie foods, trans fats and saturated fats;

• Try to take fiber-­‐rich food, such as whole grain cereals, crackers, breads, pasta or rice;

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; and

• Drink more water instead of juice.

Also … remain active:

• Create a regular daily routine to keep you physically active;

• Complete yoga and/or meditation;

• Keep yourself busy with certain activities like gardening or a hobby; and

• Maintain a healthy weight with a controlled diet.

And … complete your daily tasks:

• Take medicine regularly every day and if you observe any health problems, consult your doctor;

• Check your feet regularly and if it has any red spots, blisters, cuts or swelling, consult your doctor;

• Brush your teeth regularly;

• Stop smoking;

• Track your blood sugar level; and

• Check your blood pressure.