The problems associated with diabetes are difficult to imagine, making the disease seem less “real.” However, it is very real that the problem of high blood sugar is not limited to the blood itself. Diabetes is not a disease that you leave in the doctor’s office; Take it with you wherever you go.
But you can fight it and keep improving your health. Every day we do thousands of things we don’t even think about – from drinking our morning coffee to turning on our computer. Some of these activities, if done right, can help you feel good throughout the day. Some tips in this article will help you better monitor your blood sugar levels. Simple ideas that you can implement in minutes are sure to shake up your daily routine. Practicing some of these techniques regularly will help you feel better over time.
What should you know about diabetes?
As with most illnesses, it’s not difficult to figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it. With diabetes, the situation is different. Its essence involves the body’s inability to produce and/or fully utilize a hormone called insulin. Its job is to process glucose, the blood sugar that feeds the cells. The harsh truth of modern health care is that a guy in a white coat has little time to check in on his patients day after day to see how they are managing their diabetes.
Sure, you can get tested, order labs, write prescriptions, and more, but from the moment you wake up and drink your morning coffee to the moment you fall asleep again, you are constantly monitoring your health and your body.
How to monitor your sugar levels?
If you constantly check the results of your actions, it will be easier to achieve your goals. In the case of diabetes, this means measuring the glucose level in a drop of blood. Daily, or even several times, depending on the situation. The results of this short test show how your body responds to your diet, medications you take, exercise, and even stress.
How to control calories?
Many studies have shown that weight loss of about 5-7% – or 4kg for a 70kg person – can reduce tissue resistance to insulin and increase the secretion of this hormone, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.
The primary way to achieve the goal of maintaining a proper weight while meeting your body’s nutritional needs is to increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also remember to limit your intake of red meat, ice cream, cookies, and other unhealthy foods. Of course, portion size matters too. Losing weight is almost the priority in fighting this disease.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the main substances that increase blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is important to control your carbohydrate intake. Some foods raise blood sugar more quickly than others. Therefore, it is important to eat whole grains (e.g., whole wheat bread, oatmeal, barley) and limit your intake of white flour products (bread). This also means avoiding starchy foods (rice, potatoes, and sweet drinks).
Exercise for diabetes
Experts believe obesity is one of the factors contributing to the rising incidence of diabetes. When we move more, we burn more calories. cliche? Maybe, but extremely important. We can lose weight through proper nutrition, but it’s more effective when combined with physical exercise. By developing muscles we can improve our metabolism. Increased physical activity and the resulting fat loss make cells more sensitive to insulin. This will cause them to absorb more glucose and blood sugar levels will drop.
Control blood sugar levels and blood pressure in diabetics
The goal of diabetes control is to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. This is to prevent damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves – all common complications associated with diabetes. Another health problem commonly associated with high blood sugar is high blood pressure. Activities that help control blood sugar levels (exercise, healthy eating, weight loss) are also important for your heart.
Doctor support for diabetes
Every diabetic needs a medical advisor. It is important to work with a specialist who will regularly evaluate all aspects of your condition. The advice of a diabetes doctor, and sometimes a nutritionist, will help you identify a set of foods that will provide valuable assistance. You may also need an ophthalmologist, dermatologist, or dentist. In addition to these measures, best diabetes management products can also benefit your overall health and well-being. Also, try to find a good pharmacist who can advise you on medications