Finding out that you have a chronic disease with no cure is life-altering. Living with diabetes is not a death sentence, per say, however, when it’s not well-maintained the condition can result in everything from blurry vision and mood swings to amputations and even death. Though there is no cure-all solution, millions of individuals are able to manage their condition by making key lifestyle changes. By getting more in tune with their health, creating and sticking to fitness routines, and monitoring their dietary habits, most are able to live a happy and fairly normal life without many complications. Below, are a few suggestions on how you can better manage your diabetes.
Take Your Medication
No matter what it is necessary to take your diabetes medication. Though taking a handful of pills or poking yourself with a needle may be unpleasant, it helps to keep your sugar levels under control and prevent adverse complications from occurring. If a medication you’re taking has harsh side effects or doesn’t seem to be working, speak with your doctor about making changes, but do not stop your medication without medical supervision.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar
Monitoring your sugar levels throughout the day is imperative to your health. Having levels too high or too low can result in serious consequences. If your doctor has not provided you with one, make sure that you have a blood glucose meter. You should check your levels when you wake up, after each meal, and before you go to bed.
Take Vitamins and Supplements Too
Most people don’t get enough vitamins and nutrients from their bodies through their regular diets, and when your body is constantly fighting the impact of a chronic disease, giving it as much help as you can is advised. Multivitamins are a great addition, but there are also herbal supplements like Vegan CBD gummy bears that you can take to help manage your diabetes better. What is CBD? It is a chemical compound found in marijuana and hemp plants. It works with the body’s natural system to help regulate blood sugar.
Exercise Daily
Staying active is important for diabetics – particularly for those who suffer from obesity or weight management issues. You don’t have to join a gym, if that’s not your preference, however, you do need to remain active. Take a brisk walk around your neighborhood in the mornings, join a swim class, ride your bike, or find other activities that get your heart rate pumping and those calories burning.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
To be quite honest, diabetic diets aren’t that complicated. It essentially requires you to reduce your sugar intake and be mindful of carbs like bread, rice, and pasta which easily breaks down into sugar. You should start eating meals that consist of protein, lean meats, vegetables and fruits with a low glycemic index. Drinking plenty of water and consuming more complex carbs like brown rice, wheat bread, and sweet potatoes are all recommended. Eating is imperative to keeping your sugar levels under control, so making sure that you eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a few snacks in between is essential.
Manage Your Stress
Stress always makes dealing with diseases and illnesses worse. It essentially seems to exacerbate the problems. To keep your diabetes under control, it is imperative that you manage your stress. If the stress comes from the new lifestyle changes you’ve had to make, find ways to make things easier like mobile apps, wearable health devices, accountability partners, etc. You can also join a support group to learn tips and advice on how to cope with the emotional stress of living with a long-term illness.
Diabetes is a serious medical condition that plagues millions of adults and children across the country. If you’ve recently been diagnosed, the best thing you can do for your physical and mental well-being is develop a plan to care for yourself. Though it can be challenging in the beginning, you’ll find that much of the advice is simple and can easily be applied to your life. With regular exercise, the right diet, and proper care for your doctor, you can go on to live a long and happy life despite your condition.
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