Managing Diabetes Daily – Try These 9 Simple Health Tips

Managing Diabetes Daily

Living with diabetes can be a challenge, and you never get to take a day off. It can affect how you feel and put extra pressure on your life. Fortunately, there are many strategies that can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and control your blood sugar levels. In this article, we’ll provide 9 simple health tips that can help you manage your diabetes daily.

1. Look After Your Feet

High blood sugar levels can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, causing foot calluses, blisters, and infections. You should inspect your feet daily for any signs of redness, swelling, or cuts. Wash them with warm water and mild soap every day, and dry them thoroughly. Moisturize your skin, but avoid applying lotion between the toes. Trim your nails straight across and file any sharp edges.

Wear comfortable shoes that fit well, to avoid rubbing or pressure points on your feet. There are websites supplying diabetic socks for men and women, and many provide 1-year replacement guarantees. You can buy crew socks, ankle socks, and over-the-calf compression stocking socks. Avoid going barefoot in public places (such as pools or locker rooms) to reduce the risk of picking up an infection. Finally, schedule regular check-ups with a podiatrist who can monitor your feet and provide medical advice.

2. Have A Healthy Diet

It’s important to manage your weight, and – if applicable – discover what causes you to overeat. If you closely monitor your carbohydrate intake through carb counting, it’ll help you keep track of how much carbs you consume with each meal or snack. You should also incorporate plenty of fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

To maintain a healthy blood sugar level, spread out your meals throughout the day, rather than consuming large portions in one sitting. Additionally, choosing lean proteins like chicken and fish (instead of red meat) can help reduce your risk for heart disease.

3. Stay Hydrated

This helps regulate blood sugar levels, prevents dehydration, and reduces the risk of kidney damage. The recommended daily intake for adults is 8 glasses of water, but this may vary depending on individual needs and activity levels. If you carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go, it’ll make it easy to track your daily water intake. You can also infuse your water with fruits or herbs (like lemon or mint) to add flavor without adding sugar.

Consuming foods with high water content can also help keep you hydrated. Examples include fruits (like berries, melons, and oranges) and vegetables (like cucumber and lettuce).

4. Exercise Regularly

This helps to regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of heart disease. Physical activity also aids in maintaining a healthy weight, which is essential for people with diabetes. There are various forms of exercise that diabetics can engage in, including walking, cycling, swimming, or strength training.

It’s recommended that adults aim for at least 30 minutes daily of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. This can be undertaken alongside resistance training (at least twice a week). Individuals with diabetes should always consult their doctor before starting any new physical activity routine. Additionally, it’s wise to monitor blood glucose levels before, during, and after exercise, to ensure they remain within a safe range.

5. Regularly Monitor Your Blood Sugars

Check your levels multiple times each day, and record the results. By doing so, you can identify patterns and make any necessary adjustments to your diet/medication. Also, keep track of any symptoms you experience when your blood sugar is too high or too low (e.g. feeling shaky, dizzy, confused, or fatigued).

By monitoring your blood sugars closely and keeping a record of how you feel throughout the day, you’ll be better equipped to manage your diabetes over time. Your healthcare team can help you set goals for managing your blood sugar levels, and provide guidance on how best to improve them through lifestyle changes or medication adjustments.

6. Get Enough Sleep

When you don’t get enough rest, it can cause your blood sugar levels to rise, due to an increase in stress hormones. In turn, this can also lead to insulin resistance and weight gain. Try sticking to a regular bedtime routine that includes winding down before bed, and avoiding electronic devices. Create a quiet, dark, environment with comfortable bedding and a cool room temperature.

If you struggle with chronic insomnia or other sleep disorders, speak with your healthcare provider about potential solutions. They may include medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

7. Quit Smoking

Smoking can affect the way your body uses insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels. However, quitting smoking is easier said than done, and it takes time and effort to break the habit. One strategy is to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke each day until you’re no longer dependent on nicotine. 

Another approach is to use nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum. These can help ease the withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, counseling or support groups can provide motivation and accountability during the quitting process.

8. Try To Avoid Getting Stressed

When you feel anxious, your body releases hormones that cause your blood sugar levels to rise. Try practicing daily relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Regular exercise and a healthy sleep routine are also effective ways of managing stress levels. Finally, take time each day to do things that make you feel relaxed and happy.

9. Track Your Blood Pressure And Cholesterol

High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are common risk factors for developing heart disease. By regularly tracking these levels, you can identify any changes or trends that require medical attention. You can use an at-home monitor to take readings or visit your doctor or pharmacist for regular check-ups.

Recording these readings in a logbook or health app can help you keep track of your progress over time. These 9 simple health tips can make a real difference in your life. In turn, you’ll be able to manage your diabetes more effectively. Then you can live your life to the full, and avoid the limitations that previously held you back.