1. Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly.
To ensure that you are achieving good diabetes management and avoiding any dangerous complications, it is important to monitor your blood glucose levels multiple times per day. This should be done before meals, at bedtime, and before physical activity. Checking your blood glucose provides feedback about the effectiveness of meal planning, physical activity and medications.
2. Take any prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
It is essential to take all prescribed medications as indicated by your doctor. This includes insulin, oral diabetes medications, or any other medication that may be recommended by your physician. If you are ever uncertain about how to use a particular medication or have questions regarding side effects, always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking the medication.
3. Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
Eating a balanced and healthy diet is an important part of managing diabetes. Eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products can help keep your blood glucose levels in check and provide essential nutrients for good health overall. It is also important to limit sugar and refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and rice.
4. Exercise regularly, and incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.
Regular exercise can help manage diabetes by improving the body’s ability to use insulin and reducing blood glucose levels. Incorporating a regular physical activity routine into your daily life can be an effective way of managing diabetes while also maintaining good health overall.
5. Monitor carbohydrate intake to maintain consistent blood sugar levels.
Eating too many carbohydrates can cause spikes in blood glucose levels, which is why it is crucial for people with diabetes to monitor their carbohydrate intake closely. Eating healthy carbohydrates, such as complex carbs found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while avoiding high-sugar foods and drinks, is recommended.
6. Maintain a healthy weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for people with diabetes, as it can help to manage blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of complications associated with the condition. Eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help you to reach and maintain an ideal body weight.
7. Get regular comprehensive medical check-ups, tests, and screenings as recommended by your doctor.
It is essential to keep a detailed record of all medical appointments, tests and results in order to effectively monitor your diabetes management plan and make any necessary changes. This will help you stay on track with your health goals and maintain good overall health.
8. Educate yourself on understanding diabetes, treatment options, and management techniques.
Diabetes can have an impact on mental health and emotional well-being, so it is important to be aware of any changes in your mood that could potentially affect how you manage your diabetes. Keeping track of any changes will help you identify potential triggers or warning signs and make necessary adjustments to your management plan if needed.
9. Make sure to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace at all times.
Having a medical identification card with you is important in case of an emergency. This will help medical personnel quickly and accurately identify your diabetes condition as well as any other relevant medical information. It is also recommended that you keep a list of all medications or insulin doses you are taking at the time.
10. Have an emergency plan in place with close family or friends for times when help is needed.
Having an emergency contact list of family members or friends who can provide assistance during a medical emergency is essential for people with diabetes. This will ensure that you have someone to turn to in the event of an emergency and can help support your health goals.