Tips for Managing Diabetes
posted by Endocrinology | July 6, 2017
Diabetes is a challenging disease to manage, and keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range can be difficult. Blood sugar is affected by several different factors, and managing them all at once is never easy.
For the estimated 29 million people living with diabetes in the United States alone, there are several methods you can try to help manage your symptoms. Here are a few.
Everything from choosing proper portion sizes to ensuring you get enough nutrients is important. Try focusing on:
Exercise
Exercise helps use glucose for energy and helps the body use insulin more efficiently. Together, these factors lower blood sugar levels. Here are some exercise tips:
Any emergency situation can be of particular concern for diabetic patients who are in regular need of medication. Consult your doctor about the proper items to keep with you at all times, and about hydration and dietary considerations. A few other things to keep in mind with diabetes medications include:
Sickness can increase blood sugar levels, and impact appetite and normal activities in ways that relate to diabetes. Here are a few tips:
If the liver is too busy metabolizing alcohol, it may not boost blood sugar levels in the ways it should. Here are some tips for drinking alcohol with diabetes:
These processes can cause hormonal changes that lead to significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels. A few tips include:
Stress is another factor that can produce hormones that affect blood sugar levels. It can also be harder to follow a diabetes management plan if you’re dealing with severe stress or pressure. A few things to do to combat stress:
If you’re looking for better ways to manage diabetes, your doctor can offer a comprehensive treatment plan.
“Diabetes management: How lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar.” The Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963?pg=1
“Managing Diabetes.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/index.html
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health.