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If you are one of the 29 million Americans living with diabetes1, you know that it can be a challenge to manage your health. But there is good news: with the right tools and information, you can improve your health and quality of life. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for managing diabetes2 and improving your overall health.
Managing and improving health with diabetes – How to do it
Diabetes is often overlooked as a serious health condition, but it is a leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the US in 2010. Now, fighting this silent killer is more important than ever. Whether you want to try wearing loose fitting diabetic socks, or you’re looking for a more comprehensive solution, we have the tips you need to get started. Diabetes is a serious disease, but it can be managed, especially if you have the right tools and information. Furthermore, because of the Affordable Care Act3, more Americans than ever have access to quality health care. So there’s no excuse not to take control of your diabetes4 and improve your health.
Wear loose-fitting diabetic socks
One of the most important things you can do to improve your health with diabetes is to wear loose-fitting diabetic socks5. This will help to improve blood circulation and prevent foot problems. These types of socks are available at most pharmacies and online retailers. Furthermore, these socks are usually covered by insurance and they are a tax-deductible medical expense. On the other hand, if you are not able to wear loose-fitting diabetic socks, you can also try compression socks. Compression socks are designed to improve blood circulation and they come in a variety of sizes and styles.
Check your feet every day
This is because diabetics are at risk for foot problems, 6such as nerve damage, infections, and ulcers. Foot problems can often be prevented by checking your feet every day and keeping them clean and dry. You should also avoid walking barefoot and wearing ill-fitting shoes. If you notice any redness, swelling, or open wounds on your feet, you should see a podiatrist or other medical professional right away. Additionally, you should never try to treat foot problems yourself. You can also think preventive and try a foot cream that has been specifically designed for diabetics.
See your doctor regularly
This is because diabetes can lead to other serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Therefore, it is important to see your doctor at least once a year for a physical exam and blood tests. You should also make sure to keep all of your appointments with your diabetes care team. This includes your primary care doctor, endocrinologist7, ophthalmologist, and dentist. Doctors can help to manage diabetes and prevent complications. Frequent visits to the doctor will also help you catch any problems early and avoid the unnecessary manifestation of diabetes.
Control blood sugar levels
This can be done by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication as prescribed. You should also monitor your blood sugar levels at home with a glucose meter. There are many different types of glucose meters available, so talk to your doctor or diabetes educator to find the best one for you. Additionally, you should check your blood sugar levels before and after meals, as well as at bedtime. Some of the ways you can ensure your blood sugar level does not spike, nor drop too low are by eating small frequent meals, avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and exercising regularly.
Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol
This is because high blood pressure and cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, it is important to have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked at least once a year. You can also monitor your blood pressure at home with a portable blood pressure monitor. Additionally, you should eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to help control blood pressure and cholesterol.8 Blood pressure and cholesterol go hand in hand, especially regarding heart health, so it’s important to keep both under control.
Quit smoking
If you smoke, you should quit as soon as possible. This is because smoking increases the risk of heart disease9, stroke, and other serious health problems. There are many resources available to help you quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy or other medications that can help you quit smoking for good. In most cases with diabetes, type II, quitting smoking will not only improve your health but can also help to control blood sugar levels. Although quitting smoking is hard, it’s harder to combat hard cases of diabetes.
Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important for people with diabetes. This is because a healthy diet can help to control blood sugar levels10. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Additionally, you should limit sugary drinks and foods, as well as saturated and trans fats. You can talk to a registered dietitian or your diabetes care team to help you create a healthy eating plan.
Exercise regularly
Exercising is, generally speaking, something one should prioritize, regardless of lifestyle. It can help to control blood sugar levels, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol. Additionally, exercise can help you lose weight and keep it off. You will want to get at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity on a daily basis; at least five days a week. This includes activities such as walking, biking, and swimming. You can also talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about an exercise plan that is right for you.
In conclusion, there are many things you can do to manage and improve your health if you have diabetes. By following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication as prescribed, you can help to control blood sugar levels. Additionally, you should monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol, and quit smoking if you smoke. By doing these things, you will be on your way to a healthier life.
- Popoola, Mercy Mammah. “Living with diabetes: The holistic experiences of Nigerians and African Americans.” Holistic Nursing Practice 19.1 (2005): 10-16. ↩︎
- Paterson, Barbara L., Sally Thorne, and Marilyn Dewis. “Adapting to and managing diabetes.” Image: The Journal of Nursing Scholarship 30.1 (1998): 57-62. ↩︎
- Kocher, Robert, Ezekiel J. Emanuel, and Nancy-Ann M. DeParle. “The Affordable Care Act and the future of clinical medicine: the opportunities and challenges.” Annals of internal medicine 153.8 (2010): 536-539. ↩︎
- Centers for Disease Control, et al. Take charge of your diabetes. Department of Health and Human Services, 2002. ↩︎
- Perrier, Antoine, et al. “Smart Diabetic Socks: Embedded device for diabetic foot prevention.” IRBM 35.2 (2014): 72-76. ↩︎
- Menz, Hylton B., Maria Auhl, and Martin J. Spink. “Foot problems as a risk factor for falls in community-dwelling older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Maturitas 118 (2018): 7-14. ↩︎
- Garber, Jeffrey R., et al. “Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults: cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association.” Thyroid 22.12 (2012): 1200-1235. ↩︎
- Jackson, Rod, et al. “Treatment with drugs to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol based on an individual’s absolute cardiovascular risk.” The Lancet 365.9457 (2005): 434-441. ↩︎
- Steenland, Kyle. “Passive smoking and the risk of heart disease.” Jama 267.1 (1992): 94-99. ↩︎
- Xiao, Yufen, Yu Hu, and Jianzhong Du. “Controlling blood sugar levels with a glycopolymersome.” Materials Horizons 6.10 (2019): 2047-2055. ↩︎
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology