19/03/2024
Healthy Lifestyle

Useful Advice for Those Recently Diagnosed with Diabetes

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Diabetes is a disease that can cause many health problems if it is not managed. How you live your life is very important if you want it to be a long and healthy one. The following advice can be used to help prevent health problems associated with diabetes. If you have recently been diagnosed with this condition, you should heed this advice.

Get Moving

Being active can help you control your blood sugar level. Exercise will help you manage your diabetes, and it will lessen your risk for heart disease and diabetic neuropathy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should do a minimum of 2 ½ hours of exercise like brisk walking, dancing, cleaning the house, or cutting the grass. You should break this down to 20 or 25 minutes of exercise each day of the week, and you should include a few days of exercise that works the muscles in all main muscle groups.

Wear the Right Socks

Diabetes can damage your nerves. When you have nerve damage, you may feel pain and numbness in the affected area. Just as exercise increases blood circulation, wearing diabetic socks helps to decrease swelling and improves circulation in the lower limbs. Diabetic socks also protect the feet from injury, and they combat perspiration. Wear diabetic socks and have your feet examined every time you go to the doctor to prevent foot problems associated with diabetes.

Avoid Stress

Over time, stress may elevate your blood glucose level. So, avoid stress at all costs. If you feel stressed, practice deep breathing exercises. Work in your garden to lessen stress. Also, meditate or play music you like. Inform your healthcare practitioner when you get a cold, come down with the flu, or develop an infection. Any of these conditions can stress your body and make your blood glucose level rise.

Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums

Diabetes can make you more susceptible to gum disease. If you develop gum disease and you have diabetes, your blood sugar level may increase. Treatment of the gums can bring your blood sugar level down and steer you clear of problems like heart disease and end-stage renal disease. Go to your dentist regularly and tell him or her that you have diabetes. Schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately if your gums are puffy or you have an infected tooth. Go to the dentist right away if your gums bleed when gently touched or brushed. Brush your teeth two times a day and floss. Smoking is not advised, so don’t smoke.

Manage Diabetes by Measuring Portions on Your Plate

Diet is very important when you have diabetes. If you eat too many carbohydrates, your blood glucose level will rise. A good way to make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that’s good for your health is to use the plate method. Fill a plate that’s 9 inches in size halfway with starch-free vegetables and fill one-quarter of it with a portion of protein food. Put grains or some other starchy food on the remaining quarter of your plate.

Use the information above to reduce your risk of developing health problems associated with diabetes. Ask your health care practitioner for help with devising an effective health care plan. Although being told you have diabetes is upsetting, be happy you’re aware of the problem.