There’s no doubt diabetes can be a troublesome chronic health condition that can change a person’s life. However, this doesn’t mean it’s not manageable, and with the right strategy, and aids, you can lead a normal life. When you get blood sugar levels within the normal range, you’d immediately notice a difference in the energy, frequency of urination, skin condition and healing, thirst, and bladder.
In addition, you’d also get to increase the protection against serious issues like heart attack, stroke, vision problems, nerve damage, gum problems, and kidney complications. Here are things you can do to get diabetes under control.
Do Regular Blood Sugar Checks
Visiting the doctor’s office would help you find the best strategy to handle this condition, including adequate medicine, diet, and physical activities. However, your work with minding your well-being isn’t done after you leave this office. In fact, how would you know whether this strategy is bearing the fruits you expect unless you do some regular checking?
To be able to do so, you’d need a reliable blood glucose meter with suitable test strips. Although there’s a range of models, from basic to advanced alike, few brands can compare to the quality and accuracy of Accu-Chek. With compact, easy-to-use meters that are equipped with the right features, like a backlight for night use, and a calculator for determining insulin doses, plus suitable slip-resistant Accu Chek strips vials, it’s not surprising the brand has gained the trust of many PWDs (people with diabetes).
After you do all the considerations when choosing a blood glucose meter and find the best one for you, it’s time to take diabetes seriously and get in the habit of regularly using the device. How many times a day you do so will depend on your type of diabetes as well as the exercises you do. Checking before bed, in the middle of the night, and more often during a lifestyle routine change, or when implementing a new medication are also recommended for some diabetics.
To count on accurate results that are within the range you expect, you need to avoid using your blood glucose meter and Accu Chek strips right after eating. The ideal is to use them before meals, or two hours after them. To make it easier, it’s advisable to create a schedule you’d keep up with every day. Stress can impact the results, so if you feel like something’s pushing you over the edge it may be best to turn to your relaxing techniques before pricking the finger.
If you haven’t by now, try yoga, go for walks, test the benefits of aromatherapy, among other things you can do to relax. Speaking of finger, it can be a painful experience but it can be manageable if you don’t choose the same finger over and over again. Where you prick is important too, so to avoid the pain it’s necessary to avoid the pad where most of the nerves are, and instead choose the edge. To ensure you don’t smear your accu chek strips with germs, dirt, or food you’ve been eating, remember to do thorough hand cleaning before the testing.
Change Some of Your Lifestyle Habits
You may also have to do some adjustments with your lifestyle once you hear the news you’ve got diabetes. From implementing dietary changes to getting in the mood for exercise, it can all be used to help you better manage the condition.
If you were used to nibbling on unhealthy snacks and processed foods, you’ll be urged to find substitutes since such a diet can affect the glycaemic index. A balanced diet consisting of green leafy vegetables, beans, eggs, yogurt, broccoli, fruits like oranges, apples, and strawberries, and superfoods such as garlic and mixed nuts and seeds can assist you with controlling the blood sugar spikes.
Substituting refined sugar with healthy sweeteners like stevia and xylitol can be just what the doctor ordered in cutting back on the bad sweets and creating a healthy habit of consuming less of what’s causing your health problems. These dietary modifications are equally recommended for losing weight and maintaining optimal well-being.
As far as exercise goes, if you aren’t up for anything new or strenuous, good old walking and stair climbing will do the trick. Swimming, strength training, cycling, and weightlifting are other options, and two surprising activities that you might also feel happy about include dancing and gardening.
Since damage to the nerves in the feet is a good indicator of diabetic issues, you’d have to get in the habit of doing some foot care. Any cut or injury to the feet can get complicated so if your shoes are causing trouble, find a pair that’s created for comfort and is the right fit for you. Change your socks regularly, do some foot massages, wash them in lukewarm water, and apply a nice moisturising cream. A little care in this case truly goes a long way!
