Being diagnosed with diabetes is a huge blow. And it feels like you’re the only one dealing with this condition, which makes it worse.
But trust me when I say that there are many people like you who have diabetes and are managing it well. Here are some self-care tips you can follow along with undergoing diabetes treatment to manage your life better.
Keep a check on your weight
One of the most important parts of self-care is keeping a close watch on your weight. When you have diabetes, it’s easy to put on pounds without realizing it—even if you’re eating healthy food and exercising regularly. Keeping track of what you’re eating will help keep you in check.
Try to eat a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber and complex carbohydrates (like whole grains). You should also try to eat smaller portions of healthier foods (such as fruits and vegetables) instead of large amounts of less nutritious foods (like sweets or fatty meats).
Exercise regularly
Exercise is one of the best ways to manage your diabetes. It can help you lose weight and lower blood sugar levels, two things that can be tough for people with diabetes. Exercise also positively affects mood and sleep quality, which may directly improve glycemic control. In fact, exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other diseases in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes by improving glucose metabolism (sugar processing). Even if you’re not ready to start running marathons or sign up for an intense CrossFit class, it’s never too late to start exercising!
Drink water
One of the most important things you can do to manage your diabetes is to stay hydrated. Studies have shown that drinking at least eight glasses of water daily can help reduce blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and improve kidney health. And it’s not just about all the benefits you get from drinking water—it’s also about how much better you’ll feel when you’re well-hydrated! If you’re feeling tired or rundown today, start with a big glass of water first thing in the morning and see if that helps perk up your energy level.
Eat leafy vegetables and whole grains
Eating leafy vegetables and whole grains is a great way to improve your health, which in turn helps manage diabetes. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are good sources of vitamins C and A. They also contain iron, calcium, and magnesium – all essential nutrients for maintaining good physical health.
Whole grains like quinoa have the same benefits as their refined counterparts but retain the bran and germ layers – giving them more fiber content than white bread or refined cereals. Whole grains can be found in products such as oatmeal, rice cakes (made with brown rice), buckwheat noodles, and barley soups.
Do not stress out
Stress is a major cause of diabetes, which can also lead to weight gain, overeating, and avoiding exercise.
When you are stressed out, your body releases cortisol. This hormone leads to an increase in sugar levels in the blood, which may result in high blood sugar levels or even raise your risk for type 2 diabetes. On top of that, when you’re feeling anxious or worried about something, you might make unhealthy choices like not eating well or skipping exercise.
Conclusion
In today’s world, it is very important to have a healthy lifestyle. Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of death. If you have diabetes, it is essential that you manage it properly with a proper diet and regular exercise. It is important to note that there is no cure for diabetes. However, with proper diet and exercise, you can manage your blood sugar levels and lower your risk of developing complications from the disease.