Managing diabetes is a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly challenge, but the effort is worth it, and patients feel better and have more energy. What are the rewards of controlling diabetes? Will live longer and have less risk of diabetes complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, kidney failure and even blindness.
The key to managing diabetes is to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. This may sound like a difficult goal to achieve, but here are a few simple things to try.
Sampling blood glucose
It may be worthwhile to work with your doctor to set up a blood glucose testing schedule and add an additional blood glucose test on top of that. The test can be done at breakfast on one day, or at lunch on day 2. In short, have an unannounced check of your blood glucose.
“If you’re a supervisor and your subordinates know you’re only going to check them once a day, the situation may be that they do well at the particular time of the check and not at the rest of the day,” said Sethu Reddy, MD, chief of the adult diabetes unit at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. Dr. says, “If you do a blood glucose spot check, you’ll have a better idea of how your diabetes is progressing.”
If needed, the information from the spot check can be used to adjust diet and exercise plans for better blood sugar control.
Counting carbohydrates
Carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to spike as fast as a roller coaster. Therefore, it’s important to keep track of the carbohydrate content of your food.
Jessica Crandall, a nutritionist with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says most women need 35 to 45 grams of carbohydrates per meal, while men need 45 to 60 grams of carbohydrates. A bowl of rice or noodles contains about 45 grams of carbohydrates.
To get the most out of your carbohydrates, pair them with protein (like nuts) in your diet and choose carbohydrates that are high in fiber. Both of these foods can slow digestion and increase satiety without raising blood sugar.
“Dietary fiber is very important for blood sugar control and also for removing cholesterol deposits from blood vessels,” says Dr. Jessica.
The main sources of dietary fiber and carbohydrates include whole-grain pasta, sweet potatoes, squash, and dried kidney beans.
Be wary of “sugar-free” foods, which don’t mean no carbohydrates. Foods that contain “sugar alcohols” – usually foods with the word “alcohol” in them – do contain The food contains “sugar alcohols”-usually foods with the word “alcohol”-does contain carbohydrates.
“I usually think of these foods as half carbohydrates,” Jessica says, “and they may not raise blood sugar quickly, but they do eventually cause it to rise.”
Consider exercise therapy
Sedu said exercise is a good way to lower blood sugar, but its glucose-lowering effect wears off within a week of stopping it.
You need to exercise regularly. To get 150 minutes of exercise a week, break that down into smaller units, such as half an hour a day, 5 days a week. You don’t need to be a fitness freak, just walk, jog, or bike every day. Before you start exercising, talk to your doctor about an exercise program.
Exercise also causes the body to release compounds called endorphins, which can be effective in improving mood.
Know your “numbers”
Glucose readings are not the only numbers to track; doctors also look at blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The following numbers will tell you if your health is normal.
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measures blood glucose levels over time and should be tested at least 2 times a year.
Cholesterol levels should be tested at least once every 5 years, and frequently if cholesterol levels are problematic.
Blood pressure and body mass index.
Blood pressure and body mass index, both of which should be tested at every doctor’s visit.
Get your dream team together
Diabetes is a disease that involves the entire body, so it is best to assemble a team of specialists to take charge of treatment. Of course, this treatment team should be led by the patient. This team includes doctors, nutritionists, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and other professionals.
“Diabetes is a complex disease, so doctors don’t do it alone,” says Olveen Carrasquillo, MD, chief of general internal medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Also, don’t forget about friends and family. People who have social and family support are more likely to stick with the program.
“There are two parts to this team, the health care team and the family services team,” said Dr. Olveen.