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Simple Tips That Can Help You Manage Your Diabetes
If you’ve just gotten diagnosed with diabetes, you are not alone. Millions of people in the US and around the world suffer from this disease, with more being diagnosed all the time. It can be confusing at first, trying to figure out what you need to do to keep your blood sugar under control. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Take your medications on time
Ask your physician when the best time to take your medications is. They may tell you to take your pills before you eat, or if you’re on insulin, you may need to take it up to a half an hour before you eat.
Eat your meals and snacks on a schedule
Try and eat at the same times every day. By scheduling your meals and snacks, you have a better chance of maintaining an even blood sugar level. Don’t skip any meals or snacks, as this will upset your sugar levels. Another meal tip… eat smaller meals, but have them more frequently throughout the day. This helps keep your blood sugar at an even level.
Eat the same amount every day
If you try to keep the amount of food you eat the same every day, you’ll be more successful at managing your blood sugar levels. If you eat a large meal on one day, and a small meal the next day, your levels will fluctuate all over the place.
Exercise
You should do exercise every day. Something low impact like walking or swimming is best. Exercise gets your circulation going, especially in your arms and legs. Do not do any exercise like weight lifting without the permission of your physician. Doing heavy lifting or pushing can raise your blood sugar and your blood pressure.
Watch for symptoms
By knowing the symptoms that mean your blood sugar is too high or too low, you can get help faster. Share them with your family and co-workers as well so they know what to do.
Symptoms
of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar):
• Excessive hunger and/or thirst
• Weight loss
• Excessive urination
If you experience these symptoms of high blood sugar, you need to talk to your doctor.
Symptoms
of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar):
• Cool, clammy skin
• Hunger
• Numbness in your mouth
• Fluttering in your chest
• Feeling faint
If you feel any of these symptoms of low blood sugar, you need to raise your blood sugar… now. Eat a piece of hard candy, or drink some orange juice or some soda. Follow that with cheese or a peanut butter sandwich… something that is protein based that will take longer to digest.