Written by Nicholas Gonzales
If you have diabetes, you know it’s a life-long condition that requires constant monitoring. But did you know that you can control your diabetes through healthy living? Read on to discover five ways to manage diabetes and maintain good health.
What is Diabetes, and What Are the Symptoms?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar. There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2.
Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to process sugar. Type 1 diabetes, also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs when the pancreas fails to create enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes, also termed non-insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs when the body does not utilize insulin properly.
Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and nerve damage. Treatment for diabetes includes medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring by a healthcare professional.
Healthy Eating Habits
Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can lead to a number of health complications if left uncontrolled. However, making healthy lifestyle choices can help manage the condition and reduce the risk of serious complications.
One of the best things you can do is control your blood sugar levels with healthy eating habits. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your blood sugar levels in check.
In addition, avoid sugary foods and drinks, as well as processed foods that are high in unhealthy fats. If you're needing to satisfy a sweet craving or need a quick, healthy snack to satisfy hunger, don't reach for a donut or fast food. Instead try shaking up a quick Lean Meal superfood shake. Making these simple changes to your diet can go a long way toward controlling your diabetes and improving your overall health.
Exercising Regularly to Help Control Blood Sugar Levels
For people with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels can be a daily challenge. Although medication can help keep levels in check, regular exercise is also a vital part of treatment.
Exercise helps the body better use insulin and lowers blood sugar by helping the body burn glucose for energy. In addition, exercise releases hormones that reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
As a result, regular physical activity can profoundly impact blood sugar control. The best way to start exercising is to talk to your doctor or a certified diabetes educator. They can help you create an exercise plan that is safe and effective. Remember, even moderate activity like brisk walking can make a difference, so don’t be afraid to start today.
Managing Stress to Avoid Any Negative Impacts On Blood Sugar Levels
Managing stress is part of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones that can raise blood sugar levels. This can be a problem for people with diabetes, as well as those who are trying to avoid developing the condition.
There are several things that people can do to manage stress and keep their blood sugar levels in check. First, try to make exercise a part of your daily routine. Exercise helps release tension and improve our mood, both of which can reduce stress. In addition, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep are also key factors in managing stress.
People who can effectively manage their stress will be less likely to experience any negative impacts on their blood sugar levels.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels and Keeping Track of Progress Over Time
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is a vital part of managing diabetes. There are a few different ways to do this, and the method you choose will likely depend on factors such as your age, overall health, and the severity of your diabetes.
A finger-prick test is the most common way to test blood sugar levels. This involves using a small device to prick your finger and then applying a drop of blood to a test strip. The strips are then inserted into a glucose meter, which gives you a reading of your blood sugar level.
Another option is to use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This involves wearing a small sensor under your skin that continuously measures your blood sugar levels and sends the information to a receiver. You can then see your blood sugar readings on the receiver or a mobile app. CGMs can be especially helpful for people with difficulty keeping track of their blood sugar levels.
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about what monitoring method is right for you.
Take Your Diabetes Medication as Prescribed by Your Doctor
One of the most important things you can do to manage your diabetes is to take your medication as prescribed.
Diabetes medication helps keep your blood sugar levels under control, reducing your risk of developing complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. This is why you should take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Following your doctor’s instructions can help keep your diabetes under control and reduce your risk of developing serious health problems.
Is Diabetes More Common Among Men or Women?
Although the incidence of diabetes is relatively similar among men and women, certain subtypes of the disease are more common in one sex over the other.
For example, type 1 diabetes is more common in boys than girls, while type 2 diabetes is more common in adult women than men. Gestational diabetes—a form of the disease that can develop during pregnancy—is naturally only present in women.
Although the exact reasons for these gender-based disparities are not yet clear, they may be due to hormonal differences or different lifestyles and behaviors between men and women. The interesting thing to note is how the different sexes manage the condition.
One of the main methods across both genders is to burn fat and stick to a healthy lifestyle. We could say that the top burners for women are keto coupled with cardio or resistance training. Whereas for men, it’s about building muscle to burn fat and focusing more on a protein-rich diet.
As researchers continue to study the link between the genders and diabetes, a better understanding of these diseases may emerge. Ultimately, this could lead to improved treatments and outcomes for all patients.
But ultimately, controlling diabetes is about healthy living and your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. So start your journey to a healthy lifestyle today with Sunwarrior!
