Keeping your diabetes under control is a challenge on a regular basis, but there is no denying that the efforts are worth giving for. You will have more energy and feel better which will help you to live longer with lesser risks of complications from high blood sugar such as strokes, heart attack, kidney problems and also, blindness. The diabetes control measures comprise of the steps required to keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible. It is quite tough, but it can be done by following a few simple steps.
Check your sugar levels fortnightly
One of the primary Diabetes Control Measures is to frequently check your sugar levels.
Your doctor may have prepared a schedule for testing your blood sugar levels at certain points. You can add an extra bit on top and check your sugar levels at breakfast a day, at lunch yet another, and carry on the same way. It should be like something that comes without any announcements.
Take for example a situation where you are a supervisor of a factory, and your workers are well aware that you will be coming at a particular time. It is highly likely that they would be prepared in all possible ways to impress you. The same story goes for diabetes management as well. When you spot check, you will have the truest sense of how the diabetes control measures are working. You will have to utilize the information to adjust your eating habits and workout sessions for gaining better control if required.
Count your carbohydrate intake
Carbohydrates are infamous for sending the blood sugar levels on a roller-coaster ride, and that’s why it is crucial to keep track of its consumption. Most women require about 40 to 45 grams of carbohydrates for each meal while a man needs 45 to 60 grams. It is to be noted here that a small cup of rice or pasta has 45 grams of carbohydrate in it.
So, what you can do here is pairing your carbohydrates with proteins such as meat and nuts. You can also choose carbohydrates with high fiber content. These things would have a slow digestion, and you will feel fuller for longer without surging your blood sugar levels.
When it comes to Diabetes Control Measures, reducing your sugar intakeand increasingfiber plays a crucial role, and it can also clear out the blood vessels responsible for building blood sugar. Thus you can include a lot of sweet potatoes, wheat bread, dried beans, pumpkins, and gourds. It is important to mention here that food which says “no sugar” tends to have compounds which are high in carbs and can decline your health.
Consider work out as medicine
Exercise is an amazing way of reducing blood sugar levels, but it just takes a week for the good effects to wear off once you stop. So, the key is to do it on a regular basis and you should aim to get 150 minutes of exercise in a week. You will have to break it up into smaller sessions of 30 minutes for each day. But that doesn’t mean you will have to run to the gym- you can run, swim or bike. And it would be of great help if you can consult an expert before starting out the plan. Physical activities also release various compounds in the body called endorphins which would help in boosting your mood.
Know your blood sugar levels along with cholesterol and blood pressure
When you are willing to opt for proper diabetes control measures, blood sugar levels are not the single thing that you must keep in mind. Your doctor would also ask you to watch your cholesterol and blood pressure levels as well. You must have a clear idea about the following:
• Cholesterol levels: This should be tested at an interval of every five years and sometimes more often if you are already troubled with it.
• Diabetes A1C levels: This helps in measuring your blood sugar levels over time and must be tested at least twice every year.
• Blood pressure levels: This along with your weight would be tested each time you visit your doctor.
You must understand that diabetes affects you as an individual and it can be best treated by a team of expert professionals. The team would include your nutritionist, pharmacist, doctor, nurse and sometimes, caregivers as well. Diabetes is a complicated ailment, and your doctor alone would not be able to help you reach desired levels. People who have good social and family support can stick to their plans more efficiently. You should learn more about your life with diabetes, and you may also join a class that would educate you more on Diabetes Control Measures. You can also join a support group where people in the same plight as you to get peer support in managing blood sugar levels.
