If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have been having trouble managing your condition, you already know how important it is to keep your blood sugar within a healthy range. While occasional highs and lows are to be expected, a good management plan can help you limit those spikes and keep your diabetes in check.
At Indus Healthcare, with offices located in Pomona, West Covina, and Montclair, California, Dr. Amit Paliwal provides chronic care management, including guidance on how to control diabetes by managing blood glucose levels at home.
Managing your diabetes
When it comes to diabetes, you need a plan that accounts for every day of the week. Establishing healthy, daily habits is an important part of managing your blood sugar and insulin levels. That said, here are five of the best management techniques for diabetes.
1. Have a healthy relationship with food
Food is the thing many diabetics struggle with, especially if they’re not using insulin. It can be difficult to cut certain foods out of your diet and limit your meals, but it’s a necessary part of maintaining your health. Here are a few things to keep in mind while planning meals:
- Make sure to control your portions
- Balance your fruits, vegetables, starches, and protein
- Coordinate your meals and medications
- Count your carbs
- Avoid sugary drinks
2. Build an exercise routine that works for you
We all know that exercise is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle, but trying to box yourself into a one-size-fits-all workout regimen will just set you up for failure. Explore different activities like biking, hiking, crossfit, and water aerobics to find exercises that you enjoy. Even daily walks are an easy, accessible form of exercise.
3. Prepare for stress, illness, and your menstrual cycle
Changes to your hormone levels can wreak havoc on your blood glucose levels, so it’s important to stay prepared. Check your blood sugar more frequently, and make sure to keep taking your medication as usual. You should try to stick to your meal and exercise plan as much as possible, but it’s okay to give yourself a little break as long as you keep an eye on your blood sugar levels.
4. Be cautious when drinking alcohol
Before indulging in alcohol, check with your doctor to make sure you’re safe to drink. Alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours after your last drink. Make sure not to drink on an empty stomach, and choose your drinks carefully. You should also avoid drinking to excess, and always have someone around to keep an eye on you.
5. Stay on top of your medication
Your medication is a large part of your management plan. Make sure to store your insulin properly, take your medications on time, and report any problems to your doctor. It can take some time to find the perfect balance of medication, exercise, and dieting. You should also remember that everything is subject to change, so be ready to adjust your medication if your doctor recommends it.
How an experienced doctor can help
If you’re struggling with your condition, it’s important to have a doctor who understands your concerns, knows your medical history, and has experience dealing with diabetes. Dr. Paliwal can provide unique insight and help you build a diabetes management plan that works for you.
Chronic conditions like diabetes require comprehensive care. To get in touch with the team at Indus Healthcare, call the location closest to you or visit our contact page for more information.