As one ages, health complications begin to arise and it may include the onset or worsening of diabetes. Your doctor may give various recommendations to keep your blood sugar levels from shooting up. Here are some points you can use as a guide for diabetes management.
Eat Healthy Food
You are probably tired of hearing people say “eat healthy”, but it is really one of the key tips to maintaining a normal blood sugar level. Eating healthy means knowing what and how food can trigger changes in your blood sugar level.
- Counting Carbohydrates: This food group mainly has the most drastic effect on your blood sugar level. Someone with knowledge about the RDA of carbohydrates for people with diabetes can help you with tracking and planning your every meal. Once you know the amount of carbohydrates in your food, you can also get the right dose of insulin to manage your diabetes.
- Balanced nutrition: Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean that you are not supposed to eat food with carbohydrates. There are carbohydrate-rich food sources that may be good for you to consume such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These can give you the energy that you need and are also rich in fiber to help manage your blood sugar level. Having a balanced diet can also keep your blood sugar level from dropping.
- Keep away from Sugary Drinks: Most sugary drinks are packed with calories but are low in nutrition. They may cause your blood sugar level to shoot up quickly so keep away from them at all costs. One exception is when your blood sugar level drops too low and you need a quick fix to raise it up.
Exercise Regularly
Eating healthy food is not the only way to manage diabetes. You have to pair it with regular exercise. Physical activity can help stabilize your blood sugar level by converting glucose into energy. It is also best to monitor your blood sugar level before and after working out. Take caution when doing extensive physical activities, though, as they can lower blood sugar levels and may cause it to drop below the range. Your exercise schedule has to be in sync with your dietary plan and medication. In addition, always stay hydrated when exercising.
Handle Medication With Care
In some cases, diabetes cannot be managed by simply eating healthy and exercising regularly, especially in the case of individuals in the late adulthood stage. Medications for diabetes, such as insulin is needed to keep blood sugar level within the range. These medications are only effective when taken at the right time with the proper dosage. You need to follow the recommendation of your physician. When you see a new over-the-counter medication, it is best to consult your doctor before trying it.
Control Stress
Constant stress can also heighten your blood sugar level. If you keep tabs on your stress level as you monitor your blood sugar level, then you may begin seeing a pattern. Once you become aware of this, be mindful of what stresses you and strategize some coping mechanisms so that your blood sugar levels will not shoot up. Apply some relaxation techniques or breathing exercises and learn to avoid the triggers of your stress.
Now that you know what keeps your blood sugar level stable, it will be easier for you to manage diabetes. It is best to remember that you have to keep a plan and stick to your schedule.
