Diabetes is a disease associated with high levels of blood sugar. Insulin controls the levels of sugar in our blood. The inability of the body to use insulin properly or to produce the sufficient amount of it causes diabetes. Although medical science is yet to find a cure, diabetes can be managed successfully by taking the following healthy measures. Don’t let diabetes dictate your routine; find ways to improve your quality of life. Here are ten ways to live a healthy life with diabetes:
1- Go for the recommended diet
You need to follow a diet plan prescribed by your doctor or dietitian. Consult our doctors and health experts to design a proper diet plan according to your specific needs. Keeping a food diary is an easy way to stay on track and to prevent bad eating habits. Be sure to include food that is rich in fiber since fiber can actually reduce your blood sugar levels. 25 to 45 grams of fiber a day is recommended to diabetic patients. Whole grain, brown rice, oats, barley, beans and vegetables are the best sources of fiber. Consult your doctor regularly and stay up to date on nutritional discoveries for diabetics.
2- Make every meal well balanced
As much as possible, plan for every meal to have a good mix of starches, fruits and vegetables, proteins, and fats. Pay attention to the types of carbohydrates you choose.
Some carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, are better for you than others. These foods are low in carbohydrates and have fiber that helps keep your blood sugar levels more stable. Talk to your doctor, nurse or dietitian about the best food choices and the appropriate balance of food types.
3- Increase your liquid intake
Though water is absolutely the best choice, you can also drink tea, coffee, and low calorie drinks, as advised by your doctor. All sugary drinks must be avoided as they may spoil a carefully calculated diet plan. High blood sugar can also suppress your sense of thirst so you need to be very careful and have at least eight glasses of water a day.
4- Exercise regularly
Regular Exercise has a wonderful impact on one’s daily life. Go for a walk or join a gym. It has been shown that even a walk effectively reduces blood sugar. Our health team is here to recommend you the right exercise for your case. If any type of pain or joint problem restricts you from exercising then your health expert can recommend other ways of exercising such as aqua jogging or aqua aerobics.
5- Take your medicine as scheduled
Skipping doses of your prescribed medication may lead to serious risks and complications. Make sure to be aware of any drug interactions and what food combinations are safest. With that said, it is important to inform your health team about everything you are taking including vitamins and herbs.
6- Keep your records updated
You need to monitor your blood sugar level on a daily basis. This updated record will ensure your sound health and its maintenance by helping you develop a healthy routine.
7- Give a smart and healthy push by having treats
Remember that increased sugar level does not mean you have to have a boring and monotonous diet. Though sugary baked goods are out, you can still enjoy a variety of treats that your health experts allow. A number of cookbooks are available in the market which can guide you in making sugar- free treats that taste fantastic. There are also a variety of sugar free items available in superstores to quench your craving for sweets.
8- Stop smoking
Diabetes makes you more likely to have health problems like heart disease, eye disease, stroke, kidney disease, blood vessel disease, nerve damage, and foot problems. If you smoke, your chance of getting these problems is even higher. Smoking also can make it harder to exercise. Talk with your doctor about ways to quit.
9- Get checkups
See your doctor at least twice a year. Diabetes raises your odds of heart disease. So learn your numbers: cholesterol, blood pressure, and A1c (average blood sugar over 3 months). Get a full eye exam every year. Visit a foot doctor to check for problems like foot ulcers and nerve damage.
10- Get help for depression
Depression and diabetes often go hand in hand, and struggling with blue moods can make it difficult to care for your health. A study published in January 2012 in the journal Annals of Family Medicine found that treating both conditions helped people stay on top of taking their diabetes medication, leading to improved blood sugar levels and reducing depression symptoms.
If you feel overwhelmed by managing diabetes, talk about your feelings to a doctor or diabetes educator.
Get practical guidance and helpful advice from our experienced doctors and experts to manage diabetes and minimize the risks. You can book an appointment with our expert Diabetes Specialist in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad through oladoc.com You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for advice or treatment.
