Diabetes is a tough condition to manage, there’s no doubt about it. Diabetes can cause all sorts of problems and can make life feel pretty darn difficult at times, from having to constantly monitor your blood sugar levels to deal with the emotional roller coaster that can come with the condition. But even though diabetes may be a tough condition to manage, that doesn’t mean that it has to take over your life. There are plenty of things you can do to make diabetes suck less, and we’re sharing 8 of them with you.
1. Take Care Of Your Feet
One of the most important things you can do if you have diabetes is to take care of your feet. That means keeping them clean, dry, and free of any cuts or scrapes. It’s also important to wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet, as diabetics are at a higher risk for foot problems like ulcers and infections. Because of this, choosing the best neuropathy cream for feet can be essential. A cream can act as an effective barrier against bacteria and can also help to soothe and protect damaged skin. You can also opt for socks that have special padding to protect your feet or compression socks to help improve circulation.
2. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for diabetics. That’s because exercise can help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Even just 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week can make a big difference. And the best part is that you don’t have to go to the gym or lift weights to get in a good workout. Something as simple as going for a brisk walk or taking a yoga class can be beneficial. Additionally, several at-home workout programs can be done with little to no equipment. When working out, make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels before and after exercise, and always have a quick-acting carbohydrate on hand in case your levels drop too low.
3. Eat A Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for diabetics. That’s because what you eat can have a big impact on blood sugar levels. Diabetics should aim to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Additionally, it’s important to limit sugary foods, processed foods, and alcohol. And while eating healthy can seem like a challenge at times, there are plenty of delicious recipes out there that fit into a diabetic diet. With a little creativity, you can make meals that are both healthy and delicious.
4. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is critical if you have diabetes. That’s because blood sugar levels that are too high or too low can be dangerous. To help keep your blood sugar levels in check, it’s important to test them regularly. Most diabetics should test their levels at least 4 times a day, but some may need to test more often. If you’re not sure how often you should be testing, talk to your doctor or diabetes educator. In addition to testing your blood sugar levels, it’s also important to keep track of them. This can be done by writing down your levels in a logbook or by using a smartphone app.
5. Take Your Medications
If you have diabetes, it’s important to take your medications as prescribed. That includes insulin, if you require it. Not taking your medications can lead to serious complications, such as ketoacidosis. If you’re having trouble remembering to take your medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to make it easier. They may be able to prescribe a medication that only needs to be taken once a day or they may be able to give you a reminder device that will help you keep track of when it’s time to take your next dose.
6. Keep Your Stress Levels In Check
Stress can cause all sorts of problems, and it can be especially problematic for diabetics. That’s because stress can cause blood sugar levels to spike. If you’re feeling stressed, there are several ways to help manage it. Exercise, meditation, and breathing exercises can all be helpful. Additionally, spending time with friends and family or doing something you enjoy can help to reduce stress levels. If you’re struggling to cope with stress, talk to your doctor or mental health professional.
7. Quit Smoking And Alcohol
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. That’s true even if you don’t have diabetes. But if you have diabetes, quitting smoking is especially important. That’s because smoking can cause several complications, such as heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking may not be easy, but there are several resources available to help. Talk to your doctor about quitting smoking and they can provide you with information on the best way to quit for you. Alcohol can also cause problems for diabetics. That’s because it can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate. If you drink alcohol, it’s important to do so in moderation. And if you’re struggling to control your drinking, talk to your doctor. They can help you find resources to help you stop drinking or cut back on your consumption.
8. See Your Doctor Regularly
If you have diabetes, it’s important to see your doctor regularly. That’s because diabetes can cause several complications, some of which can be serious. By seeing your doctor regularly, you can catch any problems early and prevent them from getting worse. Most diabetics should see their doctor at least once a year, but some may need to go more often. If you’re not sure how often you should be seeing your doctor, talk to them about it. They can let you know how often you need to come in for checkups based on your situation.
These are just a few of the ways you can make diabetes suck less. By following these tips, you can help to improve your overall health and wellbeing. From monitoring your blood sugar levels to quitting smoking, there are several things you can do to make living with diabetes easier. So don’t despair, there is hope. With a little effort, you can make diabetes suck less.
