Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood glucose levels. Besides its common symptoms, such as fatigue, excess thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and vision problems, diabetes also increases the risk of severe health problems. Diabetes can considerably increase your physical discomfort and reduce your physical state and activity, adversely impacting the quality of your life. This does not mean your life has to be turned inside out if you have been diagnosed with diabetes. With a few practical hacks, you can manage Bastrop diabetes, improve your quality of life, and lead a longer life. Below are some ways to improve your quality of life when living with diabetes.
Healthy diet
What you eat directly impacts your blood glucose. While tempting, going for “diabetic” foods is not necessarily the best strategy. Besides being expensive, diabetic foods do not taste that great, which can challenge your dietary quests. The trick is to observe the intake, ensuring you are taking the right portions and avoiding items loaded with sugar and fat. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended.
Diabetes does not restrain your diet, but observing the calories taken is essential as you strive to manage blood glucose. It makes it easier to keep the blood sugar at better levels, keeping the symptoms and potential complications at bay.
Physical activity
How often do you sweat and breathe a little harder due to physical activity? Ensuring you hit such milestones most days of the week is great for your overall health. It makes it easier to manage blood sugar, and cholesterol Exercising does not mean you need to sign up for a gym membership. Daily walks, cycling, swimming, or leveraging modern immersive games can help you hit physical activity levels and promote your well-being.
Manage stress
Diabetes can be emotionally overwhelming. The worst part is that stress can worsen diabetes since it increases blood sugar levels. Finding an effective stress management strategy is critical as you work to keep diabetes in check. Exercise, relaxation techniques like yoga, or seeking professional help, among others, can help keep stress levels in check.
Lifestyle adjustments
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can aggravate diabetes and increase the risk of developing severe health conditions. When living with diabetes, you are at increased risk of kidney, foot, eye, nerve, and blood vessel damage, heart disease, and stroke, which hits new highs when you smoke.
Alcohol can lead to an increase or drop in blood sugar, aggravating diabetes. Some alcoholic beverages contain high carbs, which you need to consider while tracking your calorie intake. If you are taking insulin or other diabetes medication, ensure you eat before drinking water.
Follow doctor’s orders
Taking medication as prescribed, even when feeling well, is critical in diabetes management. The doctor can also provide resourceful information, such as how to check your blood sugar, cholesterol, and pressure at home. This includes A1C, which gives you an insight into the average blood glucose over. Following the recommendations and going for annual checkups are essential. Moreover, you should include routine eye and foot doctor visits for checks like vision issues, nerve damage, and foot ulcers.
Diabetes, if well managed, can remain in remission for an extended period, allowing you to lead a healthier, more active, happier, and long life. Visit Pompeyo Chavez, MD, today for more on diabetes, its management, and how you can improve your quality of life.
