If you’re ready to incorporate five diabetes health resolutions into your routine, check out this guide from Radiant Primary Care.
What Are 5 Diabetes Health Resolutions To Commit To?
- Get Active Every Week
- Check Your Numbers
- Eat Healthier
- Cut Down On Alcohol
- Don’t Forget To Relax
Get Active Every Week
Beginning an exercise routine and exercising consistently is one of the most efficient ways to not only maintain your sugar levels but weight too. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) proposes 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity each week. As you become more active, your cells become more responsive to insulin so it works more effectively to reduce your glucose levels. Light walking is a great place to begin, but jogging, dancing, and swimming are also successful choices. Make sure that you consult with your doctor to determine which options are best for you.
Check Your Numbers
As time passes, your blood sugar control might be changing in ways that are not obvious right away. By keeping a blood sugar log, you can notice patterns over time that can help you and your doctor make adjustments to your treatment that will make your management better. There are different ways to follow your glucose levels, which include diabetes diary books, smartphone apps, and computer programs.
Eat Healthier
Eating a balanced diet that includes plants can provide you with essential vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Carbs are the main source of fuel, while fiber-rich foods can aid in weight loss and help prevent diabetes as well as other illnesses.
You should add vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, beans, lentils, and whole grain pastas and rice to your meals. Avoid carbs that are high in sugar and have no nutritional value, like white bread, pastries, fruit juices, and processed foods. Not only will eating healthier positively impact your mood and well-being, it will also help to maintain your glucose levels. Many diabetics have already made positive changes to their diets such as eliminating soda and cutting out simple carbohydrates.
Cut Down On Alcohol
Although there are no set rules, it’s important to consider your habits when it comes to living with diabetes and drinking alcohol. It is important to talk to your doctor about your drinking habits so they can provide you with advice and strategies to stay safe. There are warnings to be aware of when mixing alcohol and diabetes as alcohol can interfere with the liver’s production of sugar and its transport to the bloodstream in order to prevent or slow down a low blood sugar response. Furthermore, it is important to consider the type and amount of alcohol you are consuming, as this can have various effects.
Don’t Forget To Relax
Stress is a common occurrence in our society, whether it be due to financial obligations or a difficult boss. High levels of stress can even increase the risk of developing kidney failure. Stress management isn’t just about finding ways to relax, but also controlling blood glucose levels. When under pressure, the body releases hormones which can change the composition of the blood. An increase in blood glucose makes diabetes harder to regulate.
One of the key aspects of self-care is taking the time to step away from the hustle and bustle of the world and relax. Doing this regularly can help you regain your energy, which is necessary for both your physical and mental wellbeing. As a result, you will experience a decrease in stress, a better quality of sleep, and reduced blood pressure. Because stress can raise blood sugar levels, it’s vitally important to make sure that you’re taking time to relax if you have diabetes.
Some ideas to help you relax include meditating, doing yoga, reading, journaling, listening to music, taking a warm bath, spending time in nature, doing deep breathing exercises, and abstaining from using social media.
If you’re ready for quality care from caring specialists dedicated to improving your overall quality of life in Victorville, Apple Valley, or Barstow, call Radiant Primary Care today!
