How to Stay Healthy Over the Holidays?
December 14, 2022
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(704) 635-7090
1505 Skyway Drive , Monroe, NC
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, you know firsthand how challenging and overwhelming this condition can be. Not only does it require constant monitoring of blood sugar levels and careful management of your diet and exercise habits, but it also carries a host of potential complications and long-term health risks.
However, the good news is that there are many effective strategies and tools that can help you better manage your diabetes and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. In this blog post, we will explore the best ways to better manage diabetes and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you stay on track and improve your overall health and well-being.
From adopting a balanced and nutritious diet to incorporating regular physical activity into your routine, these proven strategies will not only help you manage your blood sugar levels but also reduce your risk of developing serious complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney disease.
Regular physical activity helps you feel better. It also improves your sensitivity to insulin, which means it works better in your body. Because it does, your blood sugar levels can become more stable.
If you aren't active now, start slow. Then build up how much exercise you get over time. Shoot for 4 to 7 periods of activity each week. Try to make each period last for at least 30 minutes. And you don't have to work out at the gym to be active. Take the stairs instead of an elevator, or park at the far end of the lot. Both add exercise to your daily routine.
Have a realistic goal and make a plan. What exercises will you do, and when will you do them? For example, you might plan to walk 30 minutes most days on your lunch break.
Change your activities often enough so you don't get bored. You can do aerobic activities like walking or jogging. And resistance exercises like working out with weights offer another option. Whatever you do, don't forget to stretch before and after each workout session.
It's important to realize that exercise lowers your blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to adjust your meds or insulin dose to keep your levels high enough.
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for managing your diabetes and maintaining good overall health. This means focusing on foods that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and added sugars and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Some specific dietary recommendations for people with diabetes include; choosing mostly whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, limiting your intake of processed and packaged foods, avoiding sugary drinks and foods, reading labels and checking the nutrition facts on food packaging, and tracking your food intake and monitoring your blood sugar levels to see how different foods affect you.
It's also important to work with a registered dietitian who can provide personalized guidance and support to help you make healthy eating choices.
There's no denying that technology has made managing diabetes easier than ever before. There are countless apps, devices, and tools that can help you track your blood sugar levels, monitor your diet and exercise habits, and connect with other people living with diabetes.
Some popular tools include the following: Glucose meters and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), Insulin pumps and Insulin pens, fitness trackers and activity monitors, food and nutrition tracking apps, and diabetes management apps and online communities
By incorporating technology into your diabetes management routine, you can gain valuable insights into your blood sugar levels and overall health and make more informed decisions about your treatment and self-care.
Living with diabetes can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming—especially if you’re the only person in your family who has it. But it's important to remember that you're not alone. In fact, there are numerous supportive communities that can help you feel less alone and provide valuable advice, resources, and support.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have groups where people share experiences, tips, and tricks for managing diabetes, as well as recipes for healthy meals. There are also many online forums where people with diabetes can connect with each other via text message or email to discuss topics such as insulin pumps and new medications on the market.
Some ways to stay connected and find support include joining a diabetes support group, attending diabetes education classes or workshops, connecting with others through online forums and social media groups, and/or talking to your healthcare provider and asking for referrals to support services and resources.
By staying connected and reaching out for support, you can build a strong network of people who can provide valuable guidance, encouragement, and inspiration as you manage your diabetes and live a healthy, active life.
While a glass of wine or a beer may be a part of your social routine, it's important to limit alcohol consumption if you have diabetes. Alcohol can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, leading to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. It can also interfere with your liver's ability to regulate blood sugar, leading to higher levels.
If you do choose to drink alcohol, opt for low-sugar options such as light beer or a dry wine. Limit your consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. And be sure to eat a healthy snack or meal with your drink to help prevent blood sugar spikes or drops.
In conclusion, managing diabetes can be a complex and challenging task, but with the right strategies and tools, you can effectively manage your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of complications. From regular exercise and a healthy diet to incorporating technology and staying connected with others, these five ways to better manage diabetes will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you take control of your health and live your best life. Contact UC Best Medical Center today for more information.
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