Care Managers are experts at working with chronic and complicated health issues. One of the conditions they see most frequently is diabetes. This month, Nurse Care Manager Monica MacDonald gives us her top 7 tips for managing diabetes.
- Eat lean proteins and vegetables.?Eating a diet rich in lean meats (such as chicken, fish, turkey) and vegetables helps stabilize blood glucose.
- Limit simple sugars.?Simple sugars tend to spike blood sugar and cause blood sugars to fluctuate. Speak to your provider or a registered dietitian about what food you should avoid specifically.
- Increase activity.?It’s best to get 30 minutes of activity every day. Exercise helps our bodies manage glucose, and regular exercise helps us burn glucose at a faster rate.
- Manage your stress.?When we are stressed, the amount of cortisol levels in our blood rises. When our cortisol levels are high, glucose is released into the blood stream. Higher stress means higher blood sugar. To reduce stress, Monica suggests getting a good night’s sleep, meditation, breathing techniques, and exercise.
- Take any prescribed medication.?Take all medication as directed by your provider. If a medication is not working for some reason, talk to your provider. If you communicate with your provider, they can adjust the dose as needed or try something new. Having a conversation is always preferable to simply stopping the medication.
- Attend all your Primary Care Provider (PCP) follow-up appointments.?These appointments are important so that your provider can get the lab draws they need and go over symptoms of your diabetes and any medication side effects. Your PCP can also adjust medication if needed. These appointments are how they gauge if you are on the appropriate dose of your medication.
- Get your yearly screenings.?To manage the full impact of your diabetes, it is essential that you attend your annual screenings—that includes annual lab visits, eye exams, and foot exams.
Like with any chronic illness, managing diabetes can sometimes feel like a job. But it is important to stay vigilant and consistent in your treatment of the condition. Most insurance plays also offer Care Managers to help you get on track when care feels overwhelming. If you have a patient who needs help managing their diabetes, contact the Care Manager for your location.?
