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When you’re a professional with diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels in control at work is critical to your health and focus. While these responsibilities can add stress to any job, Mille Lacs Health System reminds patients that care is completely manageable when you’re prepared. As a leader of diabetes education in the Mille Lacs, MN area, this local health system highlights some of the ways to stay healthy at work with diabetes.

5 Diabetes Health Tips for the Workplace   

1. Get Up From Your Desk

Exercise is important for people with diabetes, as it can prevent weight gain and improve insulin sensitivity. Staying active with a desk job isn’t always easy, but if you make an effort to take breaks every hour or so, you can use that time to take a brisk walk and get your heart rate pumping.  

2. Know Your Nutrition

diabetesPeople with diabetes must make sure to eat balanced meals throughout the day to ensure that they have a consistent energy source. Insulin-dependent diabetics may also experience low blood sugar if they skip a meal. And while eating regularly is important, it’s also crucial to know exactly what you’re eating—particularly the carbohydrate count. Knowing this information can help you avoid blood sugar spikes and take the proper amount of insulin. MLHS has a Dietitian to help you plan healthy meals that work with your lifestyle and budget.

3. Be Prepared for Emergencies

While it’s your choice to tell coworkers about your condition, it is recommended that you let at least one trusted colleague know. If emergency care responders have to be called, your coworker should let them know about your condition—and the potential that you might need insulin or glucose. Wearing a medical bracelet is also encouraged.

To avoid major emergencies, you should keep your desk stocked with diabetes care supplies, such as extra test strips and snacks for low blood sugar. You should also make sure to keep extra insulin in the refrigerator or an ice pack.   

4. Test Throughout the Day

One of the most important aspects of diabetes care is knowing what your blood sugar levels are to make diet and medication decisions. Make sure to test at normal times throughout the day, such as before meals, or when you think your blood sugar is dropping or spiking. A continuous glucose monitor is one way to stay aware of your levels at all times of the day—and avoid emergencies.  

5. Relax

Stress is known to raise blood sugar levels, so it’s important to find opportunities to relax throughout the day. Additionally, you should make sure to get enough sleep every night to help prevent stress.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes or want to refresh your care, diabetes education courses are a great way to learn how to take control over your condition. Diabetes Education classes at the hospital in Onamia, MN, support groups in the community, and one-on-one sessions with a dietician can help you be confident about your daily diabetes care. To schedule an appointment, call (320) 532-3154.

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