Being diagnosed with diabetes can be life-changing. However, working closely with your doctor can make a huge difference in effectively managing the condition and having a healthy life. While the conditions of prediabetes, Type 1 diabetes, and Type 2 diabetes differ, they all include how well your body can process the sugar you consume. Of course, your doctor will give you all the details about your treatment, but there are a few key areas you’ll need to change in your life regardless of which type of diabetes you have.
Having to check your blood sugar levels several times per day might be one of the biggest changes you can expect with diabetes. This is important because it’s the only way to tell if your diabetes is being properly controlled.
Your doctor will let you know how often they need to be checked, what type of equipment to use, and how to use it. It could take some time to get used to, so make sure to write down the instructions as well as what the normal range should be.
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Diabetic conditions aren’t always caused by poor eating habits, but it’s a pretty big factor. Even if you’ve been eating fairly well, now’s the time to take a closer look at what goes on your plate.
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You should cut out foods that are high in refined sugars, refined carbohydrates, and fat. Ideally, a diabetes-friendly diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Some people have even benefited from going vegan. If you’re not sure where to start, consulting a nutritionist is a great step.
Physical activity will be vital whether or not your doctor has identified your weight as an area of concern. While exercise can help you to maintain a healthy weight, it’s also been shown to improve the way your body uses insulin.
It’s recommended that you exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 times per week, but there’s no limit to what you can do. You can
walk, jog, swim, bike, or do aerobics. As long as it’s moderate, you’re doing well.
READ: Is Exercise The Prescription For Diabetes?
Even if you’re doing things right, a diabetic crisis can still happen. In a crisis, your blood sugar is either too high or too low. Some of the signs include excessive thirst, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and stomach pain.
If this is happening to you, check your blood sugar immediately. If it’s low, eat something. If it’s high, consult your doctor immediately as your insulin dosage may need to be changed.
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One reason you should keep your diabetes under control is that it can affect other organs in the body if left unchecked. Diabetes has been shown to negatively impact the heart, circulatory system, brain, vision, and kidneys.
If you start to experience changes in any of these areas of your body, you can’t assume that they’re unrelated to diabetes. It’s best to talk to your doctor to be sure.
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Depending on the type of diabetes you have, you may only have to take insulin. In other cases, you’ll need other drugs to control other health issues, such as your blood pressure and cholesterol.
While it may take some time to get used to it, sticking to your routine will yield the best results. Some people find it helpful to use alarms or apps to remind them of when to take their medications.
Generally, diabetes is considered to be a lifelong disease, but that’s not as ominous as it sounds. With the right measures, it’s a manageable condition, and you’ll still be able to live a fulfilling life with it.
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