Controlling blood sugar is the basic underlying key to managing diabetes to live longer and healthier. There are many lifestyle habits that diabetic patients can adapt to stay healthier and live longer.
Lifestyle Changes for Managing Diabetes
Here are few lifestyle changes that you should incorporate in your day-to-day life for managing diabetes.
- Take your meals same time every day. Blood sugar levels rise after meals and then fall. Eating as per schedule ensures you avoid major fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
- As much as possible, eat a well-balanced diet consisting of complex carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and vegetables.
- Control the portion size of your food. Avoid overindulgence in any kind of food.
- Maintain proper timing for your medicines and meals. Too long a gap will cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Follow a proper exercise schedule in terms of best time of the day to exercise and type of exercises you can do. Walking, swimming or cycling will keep weight in check.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
- If you are insulin-dependent, then store the drug properly and check the expiry date.
- Keep those who are close to you at work and home, informed about your medicines and how to handle any crisis situation.
- Even when under stress either due to work pressure or family issues, don't divert from normal activity and eating schedule.
- Keep light snacks in easy reach.
- Say no to smoking, alcohol, fizzy drinks and even diet cokes etc.
- Learn relaxation techniques like meditation to stay de-stressed.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle like watching TV or working on the laptop for long hours.
- Be careful of any injuries or falls.
My diabetes is such a central part of my life... it did teach me discipline... it also taught me about moderation... I've trained myself to be super-vigilant... because I feel better when I am in control.
So take control of your diabetes….and stay healthy!
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