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Having diabetes can come with a whole host of complications that make managing the condition even more challenging. From issues with blood sugar levels to foot problems and even blindness, the complications of diabetes can put a real strain on your daily life. However, with the right knowledge and lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of complications. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about managing your diabetes and the potential complications that can arise.
Managing Your Blood Sugar Levels
The key for managing diabetes is to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. This means monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly, making sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet, and getting plenty of exercise. You will also need to take any prescribed medications, including insulin injections or oral medications, as directed by your healthcare provider. When it comes to eating healthy, your doctor will likely recommend following the American Diabetes Association’s nutritional guidelines. This means filling your diet with whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and limiting processed and refined carbohydrates. You should also limit your intake of saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars.
Eye Care
Diabetes can also cause damage to your eyes, leading to vision problems or even blindness. To prevent these complications, you should get regular eye exams from an eye healthcare professional. You should also control your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, as these can all affect your eye health. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure to keep them clean and dispose of them properly.
Heart Health
Diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease, so it’s important to take steps to keep your heart healthy. This includes quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a heart-healthy diet. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe medications to help control your blood pressure or cholesterol levels. To help your heart health, manage stress levels too. Find ways to relax each day.
Foot Care
Diabetes can cause damage to your nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to foot problems such as sores, infections, and nerve pain. To reduce your risk of foot complications, you should check your feet daily for signs of redness, swelling, or cuts. You should also wear comfortable shoes that fit well and avoid walking barefoot whenever possible. It’s also important to see a podiatrist, like one from Advanced Podiatry and Wound Care, regularly for foot exams to catch any problems early.
Mental Health
Managing diabetes can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of your mental health as well. This might include talking to a therapist or joining a support group for people with diabetes. You should also take time for yourself each day to relax, whether that’s through meditation, reading, or another activity. Gentle movement can also help maintain your mental health. Try things like yoga, Pilates, or going on walks.
Managing diabetes can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and lifestyle changes, it is possible to reduce your risk of complications and live a healthy life. Remember to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, take any prescribed medications, and follow a healthy diet and exercise plan. You should also pay close attention to your foot and eye health, take steps to protect your heart, and take care of your mental health. By working closely with your healthcare provider and being proactive about your health, you can successfully manage your diabetes and improve your quality of life.
By Brooke Chaplan
who is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She recommends looking more into a local building consultant near you.
Member since October, 2019
View all the articles of Brooke Chaplan.
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