Healthy living with diabetes

Friends! 14^th November is observed as world diabetes day. So let us discuss about healthy living with diabetes. When it comes to diabetes management, blood sugar control is main objective. But it is important to know as which factors are responsible to control your blood sugar level.

Food

Healthy eating is a cornerstone of any diabetes management plan. But it’s not only what you eat but how much and when also matters.

Your blood sugar level is highest an hour or two after you eat, and then begins to fall. You can help lessen the amount of change in your blood sugar levels if you eat at the same time every day, eat well balanced, right portion size, several small meals a day. Learn what portion size is appropriate for each type of food. Simplify your meal planning by writing down portions for the foods you eat often. Drink plenty of water to avoid being thirsty and to stay hydrated.

Exercise

Physical activity is another important part of your diabetes management plan as it consumes sugar. Regular physical activity also improves your bodys response to insulin. For better and regular results, talk to your doctor before exercise plan and keep a schedule. Check your sugar before and after exercises. If you take insulin, you may need to adjust your insulin dose before exercising or wait a few hours to exercise after injecting insulin.

Medication

When diet and exercise alone arent sufficient for managing diabetes, you need to take additional help from medication. But the effectiveness of these medications depends on the timing and size of the dose. And any medications you take for conditions other than diabetes can affect your blood sugar level, too.

Insulin thats improperly stored or past its expiration date may not be effective. If your diabetes medications cause your blood sugar level to drop too low, the dosage or timing may need to be adjusted. So talk your doctor.

When youre sick, your body produces stress-related hormones that can help your body fight the illness, but they can also raise the level of blood sugar. Changes in your appetite and normal activity may also complicate diabetes management. Work with your health care team to create a sick-day plan. Include instructions on what medications to take, how often to measure your blood sugar and urine ketone levels, how to adjust your medication dosages, and when to call your doctor.

Alcohol

Alcohol can result in low blood sugar shortly after you drink and for as many as eight to 12 hours more. Alcohol can aggravate diabetes complications, such as nerve damage and eye disease. However if it is being difficult for you to stay away from alcohol, you may talk to your doctor. If sugar level is normal and doctor agrees, you may take beer or light drinks in moderation.

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