Diabetes is a severe medical condition that affects millions of people around the world. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, 422 million adults were living with diabetes in 2014, and this number is expected to rise significantly over the coming years. Being diagnosed with diabetes can be an overwhelming experience, but it does not mean your life has to change drastically. With educational resources, lifestyle changes, and proper treatment plans, you can manage your diabetes and live a healthy lifestyle. In this blog post, we will explore some of the steps you may want to take after being diagnosed with diabetes, so you have guidance on what path to follow for better health management.
What Is Diabetes?
Before discussing what actions to take after a diagnosis of diabetes, it is essential to understand the condition. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects how your body regulates blood sugar or glucose. It occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin, the hormone that regulates glucose in your blood, or when the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin.
Causes of Diabetes
The exact cause of diabetes is still unknown. However, certain factors may increase your risk. These include:
- Family history of diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Leading an inactive lifestyle
- High blood pressure
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Symptoms of Diabetes
Before managing your diabetes, it is essential to be aware of the common symptoms associated with the condition. These include frequent urination and excessive thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing sores or cuts, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, and unexplained weight loss.
Taking Action After Being Diagnosed With Diabetes
A diagnosis of diabetes can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and scared. Thankfully, there is a lot you can do to take control of your health after being diagnosed with diabetes. Let’s explore some steps that you can take to manage your diabetes and live a healthy life.
Talk to Your Doctor
The first step before making any changes should be to talk to your doctor. Ask your doctor questions about what kind of diabetes you have, which medications and treatments are available, and what lifestyle changes are recommended to manage the disease. Your doctor can also guide diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes that may help you better manage your diabetes.
Make Changes to Your Diet
Changing your diet is one of the most important things you can do to manage diabetes. Eating healthy foods such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and some dairy products is essential for managing blood sugar levels. Limiting processed foods and sugary beverages can help keep blood sugar levels in check. Cutting down on portion sizes and eating meals regularly each day will also help regulate glucose levels in the body.
Stay Active and Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly is an integral part of managing diabetes as it helps improve circulation throughout the body, which helps manage blood sugar levels more effectively. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week or an hour three days a week. Choose activities you enjoy, such as walking or swimming or taking up a sport like a tennis or cycling, that will increase your heart rate for at least thirty minutes each time. Try to find an exercise buddy who can keep you motivated!
Use Diabetic Shoes for Better Foot Care
Diabetes can lead to complications such as foot problems and ulcers, so taking proper care of your feet is essential. This means wearing diabetic shoes designed specifically for diabetics that are comfortable and provide adequate support. Diabetic shoes are designed with extra-depth construction and broader widths to accommodate inserts. These shoes also have soft uppers and help reduce friction on the skin of your feet.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
It is essential to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to ensure they stay within a healthy range. You can use a blood glucose meter or an insulin pump to measure your blood glucose levels throughout the day. You can adjust your diet, exercise routine, and medications with careful monitoring to keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Manage Stress Levels
Stress can significantly impact diabetes, so it is essential to ensure that you are taking steps to reduce stress in your life. This could include activities such as yoga, meditation, or even just taking time to relax. Additionally, regular exercise can help keep stress levels down and even improve your mood.
Stay Up to Date on Medical Care
It is also essential to stay up to date on medical care after a diabetes diagnosis. This includes visiting your doctor regularly, getting eye exams, and getting regular blood tests. Also, keep track of any medications you are taking and ensure that your doctor knows about any changes in your health.
Following these steps can help you manage diabetes more effectively, reduce the risk of serious complications, and live a healthy life. It is important to remember that managing diabetes is not always easy, but it is possible with the right tools and support.
Conclusion:
Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires regular management and lifestyle changes to keep it under control. Making changes to your diet, exercising regularly, wearing diabetic orthopaedic shoes for better foot care, monitoring your blood sugar levels, managing stress levels, and staying up to date on medical care are all essential steps in managing diabetes effectively. With careful management and the right support system, one can live a healthy life with diabetes.
