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Tips For Managing Diabetes
When living with diabetes, it’s important to learn how to effectively manage your conditions so you can keep your blood sugar levels within the recommended range. Read on to learn more about some of the factors that affect your blood sugar levels and tips for managing diabetes:
Dietary Changes
Following a healthy diet is important for everyone, but especially for those living with a chronic health condition like diabetes. This is because the foods you eat directly affect your blood sugar levels.
What to Include in Your Diet
You should always include a good mix of fruits, starches, proteins, fats, and vegetables in your diet. Always pay attention to the carbohydrates you’re consuming; opt for foods with fewer carbohydrates and high fiber content to ensure your blood sugar levels are stable. If you need help managing your diet, speak with a nurse or doctor about the specific foods you should consume.
Avoid Added Sugars
Avoided added sugars are a key component for leading a healthy diet when you have diabetes. Naturally, ingesting added sugars will cause a spike in your blood sugar levels, which can be detrimental to your health. Try to cut back on sugary sodas and juices. Instead opt for water, unsweetened teas, and coffee.
Watch Your Carbohydrate Intake
Carbohydrates usually have a significant impact on blood sugar levels; this is because carbohydrates are broken down into glucose. If you are taking insulin, be sure to pay close attention to the number of carbohydrates in your food to ensure you don’t experience a sudden and unexpected spike in your blood sugar levels.
Meals and Medication
Try to build a consistent routine when it comes to taking your medication and when you have your meals This is essential because when these two actions aren’t timed correctly, it can cause an imbalance in your blood sugar levels.
If you have questions about how you can accurately build an eating and medication schedule, be sure to speak with your primary care doctor to help you figure out a routine that’s right for you. Medication
While leading an active and healthy lifestyle can help to manage diabetes, they aren’t always sufficient. Taking insulin helps your body to effectively manage your blood sugar levels when your body is unable to do it on its own. The effectiveness of insulin is heavily dependent on the size and timing of each dose.
Consult Your Doctor Before Starting New Medications
When you have diabetes, it’s essential that you consult your doctor before starting medications, whether they’re OTC (over-the-counter) or prescribed. This is because many medications can impact your blood sugar levels and can be potentially dangerous for you.
When you’re sick, the body will release stress hormones that will help to protect your body from infection and disease. When these hormones are released, they also cause an increase in your blood sugar levels.
Continue Taking Your When You’re Sick
Continue taking your diabetes medication even if you are sick. Always work closely with your healthcare team so they can come up with a sick-day plan., providing you with detailed instructions on how you should take the medication.
When feeling under the weather, be sure to drink plenty of water and fluids that won’t add to your calorie intake, like tea. For those taking insulin, you should take sugar-sweetened beverages, including sports drinks or juice. If you’re unable to eat since you are vomiting or have nausea, you should get in touch with your doctor.
Diabetes Management Program in Asheville
At PrimeHealth Asheville, our team is fully equipped in handling efficient, cost-conscious services available to meet your patient needs. Under the supervision of Dr. John Gardner, MD, and health coach Jennifer Green, CMA, our staff is trained and experienced in creating a personalized treatment plan for all your diabetes needs.
If a same-day appointment is needed, call our office as we will take current patients on an emergency-case basis. For any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact our offices, we will be happy to assist you.