You’re always reaching for another glass of water due to your unending thirst. You make frequent trips to the bathroom, and lingering fatigue seems to color your every moment. You seek medical advice, which leads to a diabetes diagnosis.
Diabetic treatments are complex; any lifestyle changes can lead to abnormal sugar levels. With the right strategies, you can live a balanced life as if you never had the condition. With that in mind, keep reading to absorb our diabetes self management tips.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Testing blood glucose at home lets you know whether your medications are working. It also gives insights into adverse drug effects or if you need to change your diet and exercise routines.
If you hate pricking your fingers, get the dexcom g7 continuous glucose monitor. It offers real-time data to your smartphone, so you always know your sugar levels.
Diabetes Nutrition
It’s not the food you eat but how much you eat and the culinary combinations you consume. Since food is the basis of diabetes management, here’s some nutritional info:
Managing Diabetes With Proper Carbs
If someone asks, “how to manage diabetes,” then you should say, “counting carbs.” When you consume carbohydrates, your body converts them into glucose. This will raise the sugar level in your blood.
To prevent this scenario, take mealtime insulin to know the quantity of carbohydrates in your diet. That way, you administer the correct insulin dose.
Consume a Well-Balanced Meal
Plan for each meal to contain various fruits, vegetables, proteins, and lipids. These foods are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber.
This helps regulate your blood sugar levels. Consult with your nutritionist about optimal food selections and proportions.
Avoid Sugary Beverages
These drinks are high in calories and lack nutritional value. It causes a rapid rise in blood sugar, leading to hyperglycemia. If left unmanaged can escalate to diabetic ketoacidosis, which results in a trip to the ER or a coma.
The only exception is if you have a low blood sugar level, called hypoglycemia. A sweet beverage like a soda can save you from the fainting spell.
Exercise
Physical activity is an essential component of your diabetes management strategy. During exercise, your muscles use glucose for energy. Regular physical activity also improves the body’s use of insulin.
Together, these factors reduce your blood sugar level. The greater the intensity of your workout, the longer the effects will last. With that in mind, here are some exercise tips:
Consult Your Physician
Talk to your doctor about the appropriate type of exercise. Most people should engage in moderate aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes per week. You can aim for about 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per day.
Your provider may want to examine your health if you have been inactive for an extended period of time. They can recommend the optimal combination of aerobic and strength-training exercises.
Check Your Sugar Levels
Check your blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise. Intense exercise can lower your glucose levels. Be aware of certain symptoms, such as:
- Trembling
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Confusion
If you use insulin and your blood sugar level is below 90 mg/dL, drink a soda before exercise. This will prevent hypoglycemic symptoms that are mentioned above.
Remain Hydrated
While exercising, drink plenty of water or other fluids. This is vital because dehydration can affect blood sugar levels.
Carry a small refreshment or glucose tablets with you during exercise. This will prevent your blood sugar levels from getting too low. For safety, you can wear a medical identification bracelet.
Adjust Your Medication
If you take insulin, you may need to reduce the dosage before exercise. Then check your blood glucose for several hours following intense activity. After all, delayed hypoglycemia can sometimes occur.
Your physician can explain adjustments to your medication. You may also need to change your treatment if you have increased physical activity.
Dealing With Diabetic Medications
Insulin and other diabetes medications help reduce blood sugar levels. This is essential if diet and exercise alone are insufficient.
The efficacy of these drugs depends on the timing and dosage. Medications used to treat conditions other than diabetes can also affect glucose levels. Here are some insights to consider:
Storage
Insulin that has been inadequately stored or expired may be ineffective. Extreme high or low temperatures can render your insulin helpless.
Report Problems
If your diabetes medications cause your blood sugar to decline too low or remain too high, then report it. Your doctor might have to adjust the dosage or administration schedule.
Taking New Meds
Antipsychotics, like Olanzapine, can increase insulin resistance in your body. This can further exacerbate your diabetic condition. If your doctor prescribes new drugs, ensure they do not worsen your condition or interact with your diabetic medications.
Illness and Diabetes
When you are ill, your body produces stress-related hormones. These chemicals help fight off infections or any issues but can elevate your blood sugar.
Changes in appetite and regular activity may also affect your diabetes. For more guidance, here is how to proceed:
Plan in Advance
Collaborate with your healthcare team to develop a plan for sick days. Include instructions on:
- Which medications to take
- How often to measure blood sugar levels
- How to change medication concentrations
- When to contact your physician
You should consult a physician if you cannot take your medications due to nausea or vomiting. They can offer another way of taking the drug.
They may also change your insulin dosage to prevent hypoglycemia. Monitor your urine for ketone levels to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis.
Follow Your Diet Regimen
Maintain a supply of stomach-friendly foods, such as gelatin, crackers, stews, and marmalade. To maintain hydration, consume large quantities of water or other non-caloric fluids.
Can Diabetics Drink Alcohol?
The liver stores glucose and releases it to replenish the body’s low sugar supply. If the liver is busy metabolizing alcohol, it may fail to regulate these levels properly.
That is why alcohol can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels. Not to worry, we got you covered. If you are craving for a drink, here’s what you need to know:
Precautions and Permissions
Get approval from your doctor before incorporating alcohol into your lifestyle. Alcohol can exacerbate diabetic complications, such as nerve injury and eye disease.
Understanding Moderate Alcohol Consumption
Let’s clarify what moderate alcohol consumption is. It implies one drink per day for women of all ages and men over 65, and two drinks per day for men under 65. To paint a clearer picture, a single drink translates to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of spirits.
Alcohol Intake: Timing and Meal Planning
It’s vital to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach. If you’re on insulin, ensure you eat something before drinking. You can also pair your drink with a meal to dodge the risk of low blood sugar.
Choosing Your Beverages Wisely
Selection matters when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Some drinks pack more calories and carbohydrates than light beers and dry wines.
Select sugar-free mixers like diet soda, diet tonic, club soda, or seltzer if you favor mixed drinks. This will prevent a potential spike in your blood sugar levels.
Keeping Track of Your Caloric Intake
Account for the calories from any alcoholic beverages in your daily caloric intake. Consult your dietitian or nutritionist about incorporating alcohol into your diet plan.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels Before Sleep
Remember, alcohol can decrease blood sugar levels even hours after your last drink. Make it a routine to check your blood sugar level before bed. If it’s not between 100 and 140 mg/dL (5.6 and 7.6 mmol/L), consider having a small snack to prevent a blood sugar drop overnight.
Diabetes Management During Menstruation
During menstruation, hormonal changes can trigger large fluctuations in glucose levels. Women with diabetes must understand these shifts. Here is more info on menstrual cycles and diabetes:
Identifying Patterns: Monitor Your Blood Sugar
The first step is observation. Keep a meticulous record of your blood sugar levels from month to month. This tracking can help identify patterns on any menstrual cycle-related changes in your blood sugar levels.
Adjusting Your Diabetes Treatment Plan
Your doctor may suggest adapting your diabetes treatment in response to glucose fluctuations. This could involve changes to your diet, activity level, or diabetes medications.
Contraception Choices for Women with Diabetes
Oral contraceptives may contribute to elevated blood sugar levels and hypertension. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to make the most appropriate choice for your unique health situation.
How Stress Influences Blood Sugar Levels
Stress can start a chain reaction in your body, increasing blood sugar levels. Maintaining your regular diabetes management regimen can be challenging with stress. Fortunately, we can help, so keep reading for more guidance:
Check Both Stress and Blood Sugar Levels
Each time you check your blood sugar range, assess your stress level on a scale of 1 to 10. This practice can help reveal any potential correlation between stress and sugar levels.
Managing Stress to Control Blood Sugar
Upon understanding the effects of stress on your blood sugar, you can start to take preemptive measures. Learning relaxation techniques, prioritizing tasks, and setting personal boundaries are worthwhile. Regular physical exercise can serve as both stress relief and blood sugar control.
Adopting New Stress Management Techniques
Don’t hesitate to seek help if you find stress management to be a daunting task. Consider consulting with a psychologist or clinical social worker. These professionals can pinpoint stressors and teach you novel coping strategies.
Embracing Diabetes Self Management Tips
Learning these tips can make a difference in your life. It’s all about gaining the knowledge and the tools you need to manage your condition. With the right approach and a positive mindset, diabetes is not a roadblock but a challenge you can overcome.
Keep fueling your journey towards better health. Every step in diabetes self management leads to a happier, healthier you. You’re not alone on this road; keep reading our posts for more health and lifestyle tips, enabling you to become the best version of yourself.
