Diabetes is one of the most common health issues in the United States, affecting nearly 30 million people. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with the disease, you may feel a bit overwhelmed and uncertain. While diabetes can significantly impact your life, there are ways to manage the condition and maintain a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle. Below, learn ways to safely and efficiently manage this condition.  

4 Ways to Manage Diabetes 

1. Check Blood Sugar Regularly 

Blood sugar testing provides insight into how well your diabetes is being managed. Extremely high or too-low blood sugar can be dangerous, so monitoring it regularly is the best way to stay safe. Your doctor can let you know your target range for blood glucose. They can also tell you how often you’ll need to test. For some people, a weekly test will suffice, while others should check multiple times a day. 

2. Eat a Balanced Diet  

Nutrition can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing. When living with diabetes, it is particularly crucial to eat mindfully. Doing so can help you manage your blood sugar, preventing potentially dangerous spikes and valleys. It can also help you lose weight, which is essential to reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease and other conditions associated with diabetes. Avoid simple carbs and refined sugars, such as candy, soda, potato chips, white bread, pastries, and cakes, which can cause blood sugar to surge. Also, avoid eating too much salt as this can raise blood pressure. Try to eat a diet consisting mostly of lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

3. Stay Active 

A healthy diet is just one component to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and overall fitness. Regular exercise is also essential. Experts recommend that people should get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Try to pick an activity you enjoy, whether it’s walking, dancing, lifting weights, or cycling. You can also increase your physical activity throughout the day by doing tasks such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator and doing leg lifts or arm stretches while on the couch or at work. 

4. Reduce Stress 

Stress can have multiple adverse effects on your body, including raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of depression and sleep disturbances. Try to identify stress triggers and find healthy coping mechanisms, such as meditation, deep breathing, and walking. To prevent stress from occurring, try to incorporate time each day for self-care, and avoid taking on too many tasks to the point you feel overwhelmed. 

If you need help managing your diabetes, turn to Carolina Doctors Med Care. Based in Sanford, NC, this health care provider serves residents throughout Lee County, offering everything from occupational medicine and weight loss programs to diabetes care and minor surgery. Call (919) 774-3680 to speak with a friendly staff member about your situation. Visit the website to learn about all the ways these professionals can help you achieve your health goals.