Managing daily life with diabetes requires sticking to a healthy diet, regular exercise, monitoring glucose levels, and adjusting medication to maintain blood glucose control.
All this requires energy and commitment, but it is important to remember that this is the best way to avoid complications caused by long term high blood glucose levels.
These healthy habits will help to maintain glucose control or identify problems and treat them immediately.
- Eat well – there is no reason to avoid foods you enjoy eating; you just need to be aware of their impact on your blood glucose levels. Work with a dietician to choose foods that suit you. Monitoring your blood glucose regularly will help you recognize which foods you should be eating, and which you should be avoiding or limiting.
- Drink water instead of juice and regular soda.
- Be active every day. Start slowing by taking 10-minute walks, 3 times a day, and build you exercise regime up to the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week. If this sounds a lot, remember, it’s just 30 minutes a day spread over 5 days!
- Take your medicines for diabetes and any other health problems even when you feel good.
- Keep track of your blood sugar. You may want to check it one or more times a day. Look for patterns and trends and share your results with your healthcare provider.
- Check your blood pressure as your doctor advises.
- Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling.
- Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.
- If you are still smoking, ask for help to quit.
Do not leave for tomorrow what you identified today. Consult your healthcare team regarding your health.
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/ndep/ pdfs/4steps/4steps-english.pdf
DAR-0304 RevA