Managing Diabetes: 4 Tips You Can Implement to Keep Diabetes Under Control

About 1 in 10 adults in America have diabetes, and about 1 in 5 individuals don’t know they have it. Diabetes can be kept under control with a few lifestyle modifications. If you know how to manage your diabetes, you can enjoy a long and healthy life. Modifications in your daily habits can help you prevent the onset of diabetes. For instance, if you are obese, have high levels of cholesterol, or if you have a family history of diabetes, you belong to the high-risk category of people who are more susceptible to being diagnosed with diabetes. In such cases, it’s important to know the importance of managing diabetes.

Tips to Help Manage Diabetes

Making some changes to your daily life can help you prevent severe health complications due to diabetes in the future. It is never too late to change unhealthy habits and start living a healthier life.

1. Say yes to fiber-rich foods

When you consume more fiber in your diet, your blood glucose gets reduced significantly within three months. It is recommended to take at least 40 grams of fiber every day. You can eat a bowl of fiber-rich cereal for breakfast. It will not only keep you full for a longer period but will also help you in controlling your weight.

2. Skip fad diets and make healthier choices

One of the most important ways of managing diabetes is to eat whole, nutritious food. Several fad diets like the keto diet or the paleo diet etc. can be good for losing weight. However, they do not add any benefits to your overall health in the long run. So, skip these fad diets and eat food that is rich in fiber and protein to keep yourself healthy.

3. Create a consistent exercise routine

If you are prone to diabetes, it is important to get your body moving. Start exercising regularly. You can either walk at a moderate pace for thirty minutes daily, or you can do cardio exercises like walking on a treadmill, cycling, swimming, etc. Exercising at least five days a week can help lower your blood sugar levels and help manage diabetes.

4. Quit smoking

Smoking can heighten your risk of heart diseases and diabetes. It can damage your lungs and cause other internal damage like damage to the nervous system, kidney ailments, etc. Quit smoking to live a healthier lifestyle.

Also read: How Can Chronic Care Management Help with Chronic Diseases?

When to See a Doctor

If you are over 40 years of age, it is recommended that you have an annual health screening every year. If you are not yet 40 but experience any chronic ailments like kidney troubles or liver diseases, you should see a doctor regularly. If you have a family history of diabetes or are obese, it is important to be proactive in managing your health. Look for signs or symptoms that can point toward diabetes. Your primary care provider can create a diabetes management care plan so that you can keep it under control and lead a healthy life.

If you or your loved one are facing diabetes symptoms, schedule an appointment with Newnan Family Medicine today. You can also contact us for more information on diabetes management and prevention.