Diabetes Management: 6 Lifestyle Changes That Will Improve Your Condition
Diabetes is a condition that you can manage with various lifestyle changes. This article discusses six simple changes you can make in your life to help improve your diabetes condition.
Chrononutrition
A new concept in diabetes management called chrononutrition focuses on the impact of food and nutrition on blood sugar levels. Chrononutrition considers how carbohydrates, sugars, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals interact to raise or lower glucose levels throughout the day. By balancing these macro-nutrients at different times during the day, you can keep your glucose level within a healthy range for optimal health.
Stress Management
According to the CDC, stress is a major cause of many chronic diseases. In addition, stress has been linked to high blood pressure, anxiety and depression. In order to manage stress levels it is essential that you are mindful of your thoughts and feelings at all times. When stressed, try simple breathing exercises such as inhaling for three seconds and then exhaling for six seconds. Many people find this form of meditation useful because you can do it anywhere without any equipment. You just need air!
Avoid Alcohol
This is a significant lifestyle change, as drinking alcohol can increase your blood sugar levels. This includes the liquid you drink and foods cooked or prepared with alcohol. It's best to avoid all of these for now if at all possible. When it comes to alcoholic drinks, stick with a non-alcoholic beer instead of wine or liquor, which are more likely to have high amounts of sugar in them.
If you choose red wine over white, just pour yourself one glass only - don't get drunk! And always make sure there aren’t any added sugars in what you're eating and drinking - check labels so that you know what goes into every product,
Quit Smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Smoking also causes a multitude of health problems, including an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, various types of cancer (including lung cancer), impotence, and infertility.
In addition to these severe risks associated with smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products like cigars or pipes, nicotine can make you crave even more food than normal, leading to weight gain that could worsen your diabetes condition.
Exercise Frequently
Exercise is a key component of overall health and diabetes management. Studies show that people with type II diabetes who exercise regularly can improve their insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and lose weight. Exercise also reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease, which often occurs in tandem with diabetes.
The simplest form of exercise is walking. You can do this anywhere! Try walking around your home if you feel like you can’t get outside, and make sure you take care of your feet with comfortable footwear and specialist socks from Circufiber that help promote circulation for your feet and ankles.
Frequent Checkups
The blood sugar levels of a person with diabetes are challenging to control without frequent checkups from the doctor. This is because diabetes affects many other organs in the body, and it can cause damage that will be irreversible if not treated soon enough.
For patients to manage their illness properly, they need regular nutrition checks and follow-up appointments with specialists like podiatrists or ophthalmologists.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to follow these six steps to improve one’s diabetes management. It will take a lot of commitment, but it’ll be worth the result. Remember that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible!
