Introduction
Living with diabetes can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Proper nutrition, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors play significant roles in managing diabetes and preventing further health complications. In this blog post, we’ll discuss general recommendations to make it easier to live with diabetes.
Nutrition
One of the most important aspects of living with diabetes is proper nutrition. A well-balanced meal plan can help control blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent other health complications. When planning your meals, aim for a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. You should also avoid consuming processed and sugary foods as these can spike blood sugar levels – not ideal if you have diabetes. It is also important to work with your healthcare provider and nutrition coach to develop a meal plan that works best for you.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about what nutrition changes to make to manage your diabetes, that’s where The Better Weigh comes in! Schedule your free consultation to learn how we support our clients in reducing their A1C and blood glucose levels!
Joyful Movement
Staying active is another critical factor in maintaining good health when living with diabetes. Physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels, improve cardiovascular health, and promote weight loss. Walking is an easy and effective way to stay active, but other activities like swimming, cycling, or dancing also offer a great way to keep moving. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy and can sustain long-term – that’s why we call it “joyful movement”! It is crucial to speak with your healthcare provider about what type of exercise is safe and effective for you.
Stress Management
Managing stress is essential in controlling diabetes as stress can affect blood sugar levels and lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices. When feeling stressed, try deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, or mindfulness practices to calm down and regain control. If you need further support, consider working with a mental health professional. Other ways to reduce stress are to manage your time effectively and schedule time for relaxation and enjoyable activities. Outsourcing tasks, hiring a babysitter, having something to look forward to, and getting out into nature can work wonders too.
Sleep
Insufficient sleep can make it harder for your body to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Ideally, adults should sleep 7-9 hours every night. Sleep deprivation can increase cravings for refined carbs and sugary foods, which can spike blood sugar. Create a schedule that ensures you get enough sleep. Taking your phone out of the bedroom and other sleep hygiene practices can make it easier to fall asleep.
Regular Check-Ups
Regular check-ups with your healthcare team are critical to managing diabetes. Your healthcare provider will monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as required. Appointments should also include check-ups on blood sugar and cholesterol levels, A1C, blood pressure, and eye, dental, and kidney examinations.
Conclusion
Living with diabetes can be challenging, but it is manageable with lifestyle changes. Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, managing stress levels and sleep, and regular check-ups with your healthcare team can help you control your diabetes and live a healthy life. Remember that making small changes to your lifestyle can make a significant difference, and you should always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes. If you need nutritional support on your journey, schedule your free consultation with The Better Weigh to learn how we can help.
Have prediabetes? Click here to learn more about how to reverse it.