If you’re a diabetic or if any of your close ones have diabetes, then you’ll naturally be scouting for tips on managing the condition to enjoy good health throughout a lifetime. There are several kinds of diabetes, including Type 1 (where the body does not create insulin on its own), Type 2 (the body does not use or make insulin properly), and gestational (often witnessed in pregnant women). However, you should first endeavour to get basic information regarding the condition while financially securing your family with specialized diabetic insurance.
This will help you stay worry-free and beat stress since your family members will be financially secure even when you are not around. In addition, you can use a term insurance calculator to work out the premium you have to pay for your chosen coverage amount. It will help you plan your finances accordingly. Now that this is sorted, here are some expert tips to help you manage diabetes like a pro.
Diabetes Management Tips That You Should Follow
Here are some of the tips that you should not neglect:
- Get Routine Check-Ups And Care- Consult your healthcare provider two times a year in an ideal scenario. Get your blood pressure and weight checked, along with a foot examination and review your care regime in consultation with your doctor. Once each year, get a foot examination, cholesterol test, dental test, dilated eye examination, and a urine and blood test.
- Commit To Lifelong Management Routines- You should chalk out a management routine that you can follow regularly. This includes eating healthy, monitoring calorie consumption, staying physically active, tracking blood sugar levels, and taking medication if advised by your doctor.
- Kick The Butt- Quit smoking and avoid it if possible. Smoking enhances the risks of not just type-2 diabetes but various additional complications. These include lower blood flow to the feet and legs, leading to infections, ulcers, and other risks, along with poor control of blood sugar, eye ailments, strokes, heart ailments, premature demise, nerve and kidney damage, and more.
- Control Cholesterol And Blood Pressure Levels- High blood pressure is a strict no-no, along with higher cholesterol levels. Make sure that you consume a low-fat and low-salt diet every day while avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. You should also work out regularly to keep cholesterol and blood pressure levels in check. Keep tracking the same through periodic tests as well.
- Healthy Teeth Are A Must- You should pay special attention to dental health since diabetes may lead to gum-based infections. You should brush your teeth two times each day with suitable fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day and keep scheduling periodic dental exams annually. In case of any gum bleeding, swollen gums, or redness, consult your doctor immediately.
- Check Your Foot Health Regularly- Higher blood sugar levels may lead to lower blood flow and nerve damage in the feet. If this is not treated, it may lead to severe illnesses and infections along with blisters and cuts. Diabetes may sometimes lead to a tingling feeling in the feet, along with sensation loss or pain.
Make sure you wash your feet in lukewarm water each day without soaking them since it may otherwise lead to dryness of the skin. You should gently dry your feet and moisturize them. Check for blisters, redness, calluses, swelling, and sores. Consult your doctor in case any of these issues do not heal even after some days. Avoid staying barefoot both at home and outdoors.
- Aspirin May Be A Good Solution- If you have diabetes along with risks of cardiovascular ailments, then your doctor may recommend a low aspiring dose each day for lowering these risks. Ask your physician about consuming a daily aspirin and whether it is suitable for you.
- Be Responsible About Alcohol Consumption- Even if you consume alcohol, avoiding excesses and sticking to moderation is essential. Alcohol may lead to either low or high blood sugar levels, depending on factors like the volume of consumption and also whether you eat something with your drink. Avoid more than two drinks each day at the most. Eat a snack or meal with your drink while including alcohol-generated calories in your daily calculation. Be aware that alcohol consumption may lead to lower blood sugar levels later in life, especially if you take insulin.
- Do Not Be Casual About Stress- Stress may lead to further risks of various ailments and play havoc with your diabetes management regime. Always prioritize and list your daily tasks and learn to meditate and relax. You should get proper sleep as much as possible while inculcating a positive outlook towards your life.
Being strategic with your diabetes management plan and staying active will help you enjoy good health throughout your life without a hitch.