Tips to Successfully Manage Diabetes

Diabetes management is not as difficult as people assume it is, but it requires awareness. Knowing what factors can make one’s blood sugar level go up and down and how to control this is vital to manage the condition.

Here are some key factors that affect people’s blood sugar levels.

Food

Healthy eating can be considered the cornerstone of healthy living, whether one has diabetes or not. But if a person has diabetes, it is important to know how different foods can affect their blood sugar levels. What’s more, it’s not just what we eat, but it’s also how often we eat and how much we eat.

People with diabetes should read about carb counting and maintaining portion sizes; it’s also important to ensure that every meal is somewhat well-balanced. Make sure to also coordinate medications and meals and keep sugary drinks at bay.

Exercise

Physical exercise plays an important role in one’s diabetes management plan. When an individual exercises, their muscles make use of sugar, or glucose, for energy. So, regular physical activity can help one’s body use insulin a lot more efficiently. These factors work in tandem to bring down blood sugar levels. The longer and more strenuous one’s workout, the longer one will feel its benefits. But even light to moderate exercises like walking, gardening, or housework can improve one’s blood sugar levels.

People who are unsure of how to get started should first talk to their doctor about an exercise plan. It’s important to understand what blood sugar levels are considered appropriate before exercise. And, it is vital that people with diabetes check their blood sugar levels before, during, and after their workout, especially if they are on medications.

Medications

Insulin and many other medications are designed to bring down one’s blood sugar levels when exercise and diet alone are helping the individual manage their diabetes. But the effectiveness of these medicines depends on the size and timing of the dose. Keep in mind that the medications that one takes for other health-related conditions can also have an impact on one’s blood sugar levels.