This is a continuation of the previous
blog with five tips.
#6. Fight Everyday Stress With
Activity. Living with diabetes can make you sad or unhappy at
times. Stress not only affects your mood, but it can raise your
blood glucose levels. Stress may cause you to make poor food choices
and drink more alcohol. An easy way to feel better from everyday
stress is to become active. Being active raises the levels of
chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. If you don't want
to exercise in a gym, join a sports team or take dance lessons to
keep moving. Swimming is also another way to stay active.
#7. Exercise in Short Sessions, If
Needed. Finding the time to exercise may be hard for some
people. It can also be hard to keep going if you're not used to
exercising for 30 minutes straight. The good news is you can spread
your 30 minutes throughout the day. Three 10-minute walks are as
good as 30 minutes at once. So don't hold out to exercise when you
have a lot of time. Moderate physical activity (both strength
building and cardio) will help you control your blood glucose, lower
your blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce stress.
#8. Try Strength Workouts If You
Are Able. All types of exercise can benefit people with
diabetes. But training with weights or other resistance equipment
may help you prevent muscle loss (lost muscle often leads to more
fat). Several studies suggest strength training. Lifting weights,
for example, improves your reaction to insulin and your glucose
tolerance. Of course, regular strength training can also improve
your muscle mass and help you lose weight, too.
#9. Check Your Feet Every Night.
Use a hand mirror or ask someone to help you look for cuts,
swelling, or color changes on your feet. Don't forget to look
between your toes, too. If you see unhealed cuts or broken skin,
call your doctor right away. Make foot care part of your daily
routine. Wash and moisturize your feet and trim your toenails as
needed. Talk to your doctor about treating corns or calluses. Have
your doctor examine your feet during every appointment.
#10. Choose a Date to Quit Smoking.
If you smoke, picking a date to quit gives you the chance to prepare
for it. You may need help beating the mental and physical parts of
nicotine addiction. Stop-smoking programs, support groups, and
wellness centers can offer professional help. Whether you quit cold
turkey or use other treatments to help you quit, having time to
prepare for it may improve your chances of success. Choose what
works for you and quit as soon as possible.
#11. Drink Alcohol Only With Food.
Your doctor may say it's OK for you to have an occasional drink.
Drink alcohol only when you can eat something along with it, because
alcohol can cause low blood sugar. Also have some water handy in
case you get thirsty. Even so, mixed drinks can raise your blood
sugar if you use juice or a regular soda as your mixer. Women should
drink no more than one alcoholic drink per day, and men no more than
two a day. Or I would suggest stop alcohol consumption completely.
I have said this before, but it is
worth repeating. Keep a positive attitude. This will serve you
well.
If you have other things that help you
manage diabetes, make use of them and don't forget them. Every
person varies in their management and abilities to manage diabetes,
but this should not deter you from managing your diabetes to the best
of your abilities and seeking help from others, if needed. Your
doctor may be one of these persons as well as your pharmacist.
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