For anyone who has received a diagnosis of diabetes, it can be devastating news that requires changes to your lifestyle and habits. Although diabetes comes with many symptoms, there are ways to manage the condition and reduce the effects of the ailment with time. To improve blood sugar control, there are a few tips to take advantage of each day. Although there is not yet a cure for type 1 or type 2 diabetes, there are still proven methods available to controlling the condition and preventing it from escalating.
Create a Meal Plan
To regulate and control diabetes, it’s important to create a meal plan that is approved by your doctor. You should avoid all sugary beverages and foods, especially products that contain corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. It’s equally important to have a fair amount of starches with each meal. Avoid eating too small of portions, which can lower insulin levels, while also avoiding large portions that can cause your blood sugar level to increase.
If you need assistance in controlling your blood sugar, cinnamon and Alpha Lipoic Acid have shown promise in recent studies.
Increase Your Physical Activity
One of the most effective ways to controlling diabetes is to exercise three to five days a week to shed excess weight and lower your blood pressure. Over 80 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes are overweight, making it a crucial step to take control of diabetes and prevent it from escalating with time.
Performing aerobic exercise and resistance training is also proven to boost your body’s reaction to insulin, to help stabilize blood sugar. When the muscles contract with physical activity, it works to push glucose out of the blood and into the cells. Your glucose levels will then drop significantly just by losing an average of 10 to 15 pounds. Weight loss should also be targeted in the belly region, which can reduce the effects of diabetes.
Your doctor can also provide an exercise plan to follow to ensure that you participate in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day with recommended activities that are based on your overall health and physical condition.
Reduce Stress
Stress has a significant link to the severity of diabetes and should be monitored each day. It’s important to avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine while also taking time to meditate or get a massage during the week. Sugar levels will then be easier to control when both the mind and body are relaxed. Experts also recommend getting at least six hours of sleep a night and maintaining a routine during the day to prevent feeling overwhelmed or anxious with responsibilities.
Although smoking may reduce stress levels, it’s important to give up the habit completely, which can reduce your lifespan when coupled with diabetes as the tobacco accelerates the symptoms of diabetes.
Monitor Blood Glucose Levels
It’s important to consistently monitor your blood glucose levels to evaluate it at various times of the day. This will help you to understand what changes are most beneficial and have the greatest effect on your body. You should also have regular checkups from your doctor to prevent complications that can gradually develop and lead to permanent physical ailments. Your eyes, kidney, cholesterol, and blood pressure should be tested frequently by a medical professional to prevent blindness, heart attacks, and strokes. Diabetes can also cause nerve damage and change the circulation in the body, making regular evaluations key in controlling the condition.
Consider Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is an ideal option for those who are obese and suffer from diabetes, which can reduce the amount of stress that is put on the body due to excess weight. Many doctors recommend the surgery to patients who have difficulty losing weight in order to properly control their diabetes. The two types of bariatric surgery include gastric bypass surgery and Laparoscopic Gastric Banding, both of which are ideal for individuals who have a body mass index that is higher than 35 percent.
For more tips or to have a plan created by one of our certified and trained physicians, contact us at (702) 677-2644.
