Tag Archives: physical activity

How To Thrive With Diabetes

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If you have been diagnosed with diabetes then it is time to take a critical look at what factors made you vulnerable to the disease. The genetic factor obviously leaves you more prone to developing diabetes, but the risk is definitely increased by unhealthy lifestyle choices, being overweight, and having low activity levels.

A diagnosis of diabetes should not be taken lightly, learning to live with a chronic illness means mentally accepting the fact that you have to implement some lifestyle changes. Whether it is Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, the chances of harm to your body will decrease if you adopt a few healthy lifestyle habits. New anti-diabetic medicines are being created to combat the disease, but no matter how advanced the drugs – your lifestyle still plays a dominant role.

Living with Diabetes

Diabetes has been extensively studied and is a disease one can live with for as long as one takes medication on time and in the right manner and follows a healthy lifestyle. All the medicine and lifestyle changes have one goal, to keep your blood glucose level under control. These habits will help you lead a healthy life and help you manage your condition.

Dietary Recommendations for Diabetics

As a known diabetic, you must learn how different kinds of foods affect your blood sugar levels. The amount of food you consume and the combinations of food also matter. Curb your carbohydrate consumption and try to eat foods that have a low-glycemic index. Make every meal a well-balanced one. The following is a list of low-glycemic foods that you should include in your diet:
· Eggs- source of high-quality protein
· Chicken or Turkey- Lean cuts, skinless and preferably grilled
· Vegetables-carrots, broccoli, green beans
· Low processed grains
· Increase good fats- olive oil and avocados
· Nuts-almonds, walnuts, pecans

Preventing Health Complications Brought on by Diabetes

Diabetes exposes you to life-threatening complications. However, you can avoid these by making a few changes such as:
· Low alcohol consumption
· Quit smoking
· Take medications strictly as directed
· Always wear a medical alert bracelet
· Monitor your glucose level, blood pressure, and weight regularly

Remain Active and Energetic

Make exercise a part of your daily routine. The increase in physical activity will keep you blood sugar in check and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Your nervous system will also stay healthy. Try to aim for about 30 minutes of aerobics about 5-6 times in a week.

It is important that you keep an eye on your blood sugar level if you want to stay healthy. Moreover, telemedicine can be of help as you can get in touch with an expert without having to bear any sort of trouble.

Things To Avoid After Being Diagnosed With Diabetes

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No doubt, diabetes is a serious health issue. If you don’t take care of your health and fail to follow your diabetes treatment plan, the condition can worsen. On the other hand, if you take good care of yourself and follow your treatment plan religiously, it can decrease your risk of serious health complications.
Here are the things you should not do if you have diabetes:

1. Avoid Stress

Taking on stressful activities when you are suffering from diabetes can increase the sugar level in your blood, triggering serious health conditions. You should make sure to avoid stress at any cost. Learn how to cope with and lower your stress levels. Things like deep breathing, going for a walk, engaging in pleasant activities to disengage the stress, meditation, gardening, and other similar activities can help reduce your stress.

2. Don’t Engage in Strenuous Exercises

Light exercise is good when you have diabetes; however, you should be careful about strenuous activities. Avoid vigorous exercises like weight lifting, high power activities, and staying in an upturned position. You should also avoid repetitive exercise on your feet because that may lead to your loss of sensation, and emergence of ulcers on the feet. Strenuous exercises also leave you at risk of bone fractures.

3. Don’t Smoke

If you have diabetes, smoking can trigger more health complications for you. It can lead to decrease in blood flow in your legs and feet that has the potential to create infections and ulcers. If the condition becomes chronic, amputation may be necessary. Smoking when you have diabetes also increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diseases of the eyesight, kidneys, and nerves. If you are a smoker, you should speak with your health practitioner about the possible ways to get rid of the addiction.

4. Don’t Eat Unhealthy Food

Diabetic patients should carefully watch the foods they eat. If you eat healthy foods, your condition can improve, but if you eat unhealthy foods, your condition can deteriorate very fast. Avoid foods high in sugar because they can be poisonous for you. Get a diet plan from your doctor and follow it religiously. Remember, even a candy and soda can be life threatening during diabetes as your body consumes this simple sugar immediately. Your doctor can best tell you what to eat and what not to eat during diabetes.

5. Don’t Be Physically Inactive

Even though strenuous activities are not good during diabetes, but staying physically inactive is also dangerous. Physical activity can help keep you healthy. Make sure to engage in light physical activities if you have diabetes because it can help you maintain an ideal weight, and lower your blood glucose level. It is also good for your heart and lungs.