6 Lifestyle Changes to Manage Your Diabetes

In 2021, Approximately 537 million adults (20-79 years) are living with diabetes. The total number of people living with diabetes is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045 - International Diabetes Federation.?

Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.?

Working closely with your doctor, knowing more about your body will be helpful to manage your diabetes and try focusing on six key changes in your daily lifestyle habits to take control of your diabetes.?

1. Eat healthy.?

This is crucial when you have diabetes, because what you eat affects your blood sugar. No foods are strictly off-limits. Focus on eating only as much as your body needs.?

Get plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Choose non-fat dairy and lean meats. Limit foods that are high in sugar and fat and watch your carb intake.?

2. Exercise.?

If you're not active now, it’s time to start. There’s no need to join a gym and do cross-training. Just walk, ride a bike, or do some yoga.?

Your goal should be 30 minutes of activity that makes you sweat. An active lifestyle helps you control your diabetes by bringing down your blood sugar.?

It also lowers your chances of getting heart disease. Plus, it can help you lose extra pounds.?

3. Get checkups.?

See your doctor regularly. Diabetes raises your odds of heart disease.?

So learn your numbers: cholesterol, blood pressure, and A1c (average blood sugar levels over 3 months). Get a full eye exam every year. Visit a foot doctor to check for problems like foot ulcers and nerve damage.

4. Stop smoking.?

Diabetes makes you more likely to have health problems like heart disease, eye disease, stroke, kidney disease, blood vessel disease, nerve damage, and foot problems.?

If you smoke, your chance of getting these problems is even higher. Smoking also can make it harder to exercise. Talk with your doctor about ways to quit.

4. Manage stress.?

When you're stressed, your blood sugar levels go up. And when you're anxious, you may not manage your diabetes well.?

You may forget to exercise, eat right, or take your medicines. Find ways to relieve stress -- through deep breathing, yoga, or hobbies that relax you.

For more information on diabetes, how to reduce blood sugar levels and other queries, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to our experts on GOQii Play. For further guidance, you can connect with a certified expert by subscribing to personalized coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr