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To help those newly diagnosed with diabetes navigate their journey, we’ve gathered seven invaluable tips from industry leaders and health experts. From prioritizing stress management to adopting a plant-based diet, our co-founders, CEOs, and other professionals share their insights on managing diabetes within the first five years of diagnosis.
- Prioritize Stress Management
- Join a Diabetes Peer-Support Group
- Monitor Blood Sugar Levels Consistently
- Educate Yourself About Diabetes
- Create a Balanced, Consistent Routine
- Establish Medication and Monitoring Routine
- Adopt a Plant-Based Diet
Educate Yourself About Diabetes
Evan Tunis, President, Florida Healthcare Insurance
Having diabetes can be overwhelming, especially for those who have been recently diagnosed. It’s important to educate yourself about the condition and its management in order to effectively deal with it. This includes understanding how food affects your blood sugar levels, how to administer insulin or other medications, and how to monitor your blood sugar regularly.
Additionally, learning about potential complications of diabetes 1and how to prevent them can greatly improve your overall health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek support from healthcare professionals, as well as support groups for people with diabetes. The more you know about diabetes, the better equipped you will be to manage it successfully.
Create a Balanced, Consistent Routine
James Cunningham, Senior Coach, Total Shape
Dealing with diabetes in the early years can be a bit challenging, but one solid tip is to focus on creating a balanced and consistent routine. Regularity is key with meals, exercise, and medication.
Try to stick to a consistent schedule for your meals and snacks. This helps in managing blood sugar levels2 more effectively and makes it easier to adjust your insulin or medication as needed. Also, incorporating some form of physical activity into your daily routine can do wonders. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme—a simple daily walk can make a big difference. Remember, small, sustainable changes can lead to big improvements!
Prioritize Stress Management
Roy Lau, Co-Founder, 28 Mortgage
One tip for dealing with diabetes within the first five years is to prioritize stress management3. Stress can significantly impact blood sugar levels. Engaging in stress-reducing activities like mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help individuals better control their diabetes. By managing stress, they promote stable blood sugar levels and improve overall well-being.
For example, practicing deep breathing exercises for a few minutes each day can help activate the body’s relaxation response and reduce stress. This, in turn, supports better glucose control and enhances the individual’s quality of life.
Join a Diabetes Peer-Support Group
Ben Lau, Founder, Featured SEO Company
Engage with a peer-support group or online community specifically tailored for individuals with diabetes who have had it for under five years.
Peer-support groups provide a unique platform to connect, share experiences, and receive practical advice from others facing similar challenges. These groups foster a sense of camaraderie and support, helping individuals navigate the emotional and practical aspects of diabetes management.
By joining such a group, individuals can learn from each other’s successes and setbacks, gain motivation, and build a network of understanding individuals to lean on during their journey.
Establish Medication and Monitoring Routine
Cindi Keller, Communications Coordinator, The Criminal Defense Firm
Developing a consistent regimen for medication and blood sugar monitoring is critical. If your doctor has recommended medication, be sure to take it regularly and as directed. This systematic approach encourages improved control over your diabetes and permits prompt adjustments to your treatment strategy.
Track your blood sugar readings, meals, and medication adherence using tools such as smartphone applications or journals. These tools will provide valuable insights for both you and your healthcare team.
Adopt a Plant-Based Diet
Michaela Ramirez, MD, Founder, O My Gulay
Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds is effective in stabilizing blood sugars and reducing insulin resistance4, especially in the early stages of diabetes. This is because a whole-food, plant-based diet is naturally low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and it is high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
These nutrients can help to improve blood sugar control, reduce the risk of heart disease, and promote weight loss, which are important to manage the condition and prevent complications.
- Nathan, David M. “Long-term complications of diabetes mellitus.” New England journal of medicine 328.23 (1993): 1676-1685. ↩︎
- Xiao, Yufen, Yu Hu, and Jianzhong Du. “Controlling blood sugar levels with a glycopolymersome.” Materials Horizons 6.10 (2019): 2047-2055. ↩︎
- Greenberg, Jerrold S. “Comprehensive stress management.” (2002): 301-320. ↩︎
- Giannarelli, R., et al. “Reducing insulin resistance with metformin: the evidence today.” Diabetes & metabolism 29.4 (2003): 6S28-6S35. ↩︎
Last Updated on by ayeshayusuf
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Diabetes has became a major health issue in alll over the world. Specially in India has most no. Of diabetes patients in World. You have given some essential tips for maintain the diabetes in first five years, which is most difficult to do. Your tips are well guided.
These tips offer practical advice for managing diabetes within the first five years of diagnosis, covering various aspects of lifestyle, diet, and emotional well-being. The emphasis on education, support, and consistency reflects a holistic approach to diabetes management.