It is important to learn about, and to continue learning about, diabetes management. Diabetes is a serious disease, in which a person has to continually struggle to keep their body within a good balance. Keeping a healthy diet, communicating with your doctor, and staying active are all key elements in handling this disease.
Although diabetes is a day-to-day struggle, there are a lot of resources out there to help. For example, Diabetes.org provides the latest news in medical therapies and approaches as well as information about how to make healthy lifestyle choices. One of their most promising attributes is an online diabetes management tool called Diabetes 24/7. This was developed to help you track data concerning your blood glucose, A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol, physical activity, weight, and medications.
Lifescan.com also provides diabetes management software which helps you to identify trends in your blood glucose levels and meal related patterns. The information is imprinted into charts and graphs which help you and your doctor track your progress or problems. The software is downloadable and easy to use.
Diabetes Management Techniques
In managing diabetes, what is important is to know what makes your blood sugar rise and fall and how to control these factors (Mayoclinic.com, 2011). These factors can usually be controlled by a balanced diet, plenty of physical activity, and a balanced drug regiment.
Diet
You should check your blood sugar before and after meals. Typically your blood sugar levels will be highest an hour or two after you eat. In order to lessen blood sugar fluctuations eat at the same time every day. Well balanced meals are important. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian about how to attain the right mix of starches, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and fats. Keep levels of carbohydrates low, as they have the most effect on your blood sugar level.
The amount of food that you eat is important as well. It is recommended that you actually scale and measure portion sizes and keep them the same at each meal. You may even try writing down the proportion of the foods that you eat most often or what you have eaten that has caused your blood sugar levels to rise. This will help you to realize what to avoid and what to continue doing in reference to your diabetes management (Mayoclinic.com, 2011).
Trying to avoid eating sweets can be difficult when you are trying to manage your diabetes. Don’t worry you will be able to eat your favorite desserts now and then. Just be sure to take into account that you are taking in extra carbohydrates, so you may want to cut back on other carbohydrate-containing foods such as bread, tortillas, crackers, rice, cereal, fruit, juice, potatoes, and corn. Do not substitute too often though, carbohydrate-rich foods have nutrients your body needs as well (Helpguide.org, 2011).
Exercise
A person with diabetes should stay active. Exercising helps your muscles to use sugar for energy, and it also helps your body’s response to insulin. The heavier you work out, the more it helps your body to maintain sugar levels, but just to keep yourself moving throughout the day is enough to keep your blood sugar levels down.
One of the best ways to start is to work with your doctor to develop an exercise plan that is right for you. Once you have developed a plan, try to work out what times of days are best in co-ordinance to your scheduled meals and medications. When exercising check your blood sugar levels before, during, and after to be sure that your blood sugar is not too low. Feeling shaky, weak, or lightheaded are some of the signs that your blood sugar is too low.
No matter how little or how much you exercise it is important to stay safe. Dehydration can affect blood sugar levels so be sure and drink plenty of water during the day as well as during your exercise routine. Also, when staying active be sure to have a snack or glucose pill with you in case your blood sugar drops. Some physicians even recommend wearing a medical identification bracelet with you during exercise.
Medication
Insulin should always be stored properly, and remember that if it is past its expiration date, it may no longer be effective. Be sure to be cautious when trying new medications, especially in medications which treat high blood pressure and cholesterol. If your medications cause your blood sugar to spike or drop too low, talk to your doctor. It may just be that the timing or dosage needs to be adjusted, or the medication may need to be changed all together (Mayoclinic.com, 2011).
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