If you have been recently diagnosed with Diabetes, it is completely natural and normal to feel worried and stressed. Having diabetes means that you have to always be attentive & vigilant in order to check your blood sugar levels, make dietary changes, get in some exercise and even take your medicine on time, if you’ve been prescribed any. There is also the added worry of complications and medicine costs.
A constant process with a lot of daily tasks, managing diabetes can become challenging at times. So here we have compiled a list of some tips and advice to help you deal and cope with Diabetes.
Stress tends to make everything a lot worse, especially when you are trying to take care of yourself and manage your diabetes. Reduce the stress in your life by figuring out the cause of it and finding ways to cope with daily stress triggers. Try to schedule in some fun& exciting activities that bring you joy and pleasure.
While stress makes things worse, exercise makes it a whole lot better! Regular physical activity is known to improve your insulin sensitivity, helping your blood sugar levels become stable. If you are not a very active person, gradually ease yourself into a workout routine. Try to go for a jog or walk at least three times a week and slowly increase your levels of activity. Do seek medical advice from your doctor prior to exercise.
Speaking to your loved ones about your new condition, your thoughts and concerns, may help you feel more relieved and supported. Some friends and family may even go the extra mile of reminding you to take your medicine, accompanying you on visits to the doctors, helping monitor your blood sugar levels etc. which can take a load off your daily task list.
Being diagnosed with diabetes means that you may need to make adjustments and alterations to your usual diet. Be sure to eat a variety of nutritious food that includes essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Try to consume less processed food and trans fats that have a negative effect on your blood sugar levels. Instead, try to eat more wholesome meals that help keep your diabetes in check. A nutritious meal can include low fat dairy products, lean meats, non-starchy vegetables, nuts, citrus fruits, whole grains, poultry and fish. Be sure to consult your doctor or dietician before starting any new diets.
Keep your diabetes at bay by regularly visiting your doctor for required tests and screenings. Voicing your problems/concerns to a healthcare expert and getting sound advice and recommendations to control your diabetes will have positive effects on your mental and physical health.
Smoking raises your chances of having complications from diabetes such as heart & kidney disease, retinopathy, nerve damage, infections, poor blood flow, ulcers etc. Kick your smoking habit to gain control over your sugar levels!
While the list of daily tasks to control your sugar levels can be daunting, try to avoid being overwhelmed by sticking to a list and doing one thing at a time. Make a list of all the tasks you need to do every day and slowly tick it off the list, one by one. This will help you stay organized, motivated and stress free.
Regularly monitoring your sugar levels can help you understand and adjust your daily activities accordingly. Monitor your blood sugar levels in the morning, after meals, before exercises or even whenever you feel unusual. Don’t forget to take notes and keep track of what affects your glucose levels. These factors could include stress, medication, food, exercise etc.
Excess amounts of alcohol can decrease your blood sugar levels to drop to dangerous levels, especially when you are diabetic. When you drink, your liver has to work overtime to remove the alcohol from your blood instead of doing its usual job of trying to regulate your blood sugar levels. Try to drink in moderation with chasers that either contain low or no sugar.
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