Diabetes has affected millions of Americans and is currently one of the leading causes of death. Given this, it is vital, now more than ever, for people diagnosed with diabetes to watch their health and do what they can to control the severity of the disease. Here’s a list of 5 things one can do to bring their diabetes under control.
- Keep weight at a healthy range: Most people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are quite overweight. This is because the excess fat in one’s body makes the individual more prone to the insulin-resistant state, which, over time, leads to type 2 diabetes. So one should make sure to check their BMI and work on reducing weight if required.
- Eat a balanced diet: The food that is consumed plays a huge role in helping one manage their condition. A healthy diet that incorporates sufficient vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and complex carbs can help one manage their weight with ease.
- Say ‘NO’ to stress: It is almost impossible to manage one’s diabetes unless they are free from stress. So, people should determine the key source of their stress and find ways to reduce or eliminate it from their daily life. Taking part in a fun activity, on a regular basis, will go a long way in maintaining both the physical and mental health.
- Indulge in physical activity: Taking part in physical activity can create wonders, given that these activities can energize and relax the body. Exercising also will help one get much-need uninterrupted sleep during the night, which is very important. It’s best to work out for at least 30 minutes every day. Also, learn to enjoy physical activities rather than treating them as chores which one has to do. When at work, avoid being seated continuously for long periods of time.
- Monitor the sugar levels: People with diabetes should make it a habit to monitor their blood sugar as soon as they wake up—do this once before eating and also two hours after. A standard blood sugar monitor will do the job.
