Diabetes is a complex disease, but it is treatable. Each person is unique; so is their journey living with diabetes. No matter what your journey, the disease requires continuous management to ensure quality of life and to prevent serious complications that may be life-threatening. To manage diabetes effectively, you need to do the following:
Keep up with your healthcare appointments:
- General practitioner and dentist
- Diabetes educator
- Dietician
- Ophthalmologist
- Podiatrist
- Other healthcare professionals
Manage your glucose levels:
- Check your glucose levels regularly.
- Take your diabetes medicine as prescribed.
- Exercise regularly to keep fit, maintain a healthy weight, and to help regulate your blood glucose levels. Exercise is also a proven mood enhancer.
- Manage your stress levels. Stress management techniques include a 10-minute walk or meditation.
- Organise yourself and always keeping a positive attitude.
Diabetes is a complex disease that can be treated. The disease requires continuous management to ensure quality of life and to prevent serious complications that may be life threatening. Know the facts.
Practice good sleeping habits:
- Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning.
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature.
- Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smartphones, from the bedroom.
- Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
Plan your meals ahead:
- Plan what you will eat at each meal. Stick to your diabetes eating plan as far as possible.
- Keep healthy snacks with you to avoid snacking on empty calories.
Sources:
www.healthline.com
www.sleepeducation.org
www.mayoclinic.org
www.cdc.gov/
