Tips for managing diabetes

Tips For Managing Diabetes

It is quite common to feel overwhelmed, sad, or angry when you are living with diabetes symptoms. You may know the measures you should take to stay healthy, but have trouble following up with your plan over time. Even if you are getting your medications from your NHS pharmacy in Wellesbourne for diabetes treatment, you need to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Here are a few tips on how to cope with your diabetes, eat well and stay active.

●     Cope with your diabetes.

●     Stress can raise your blood sugar.

●     Discover ways to lower your stress. Try deep breathing, gardening, meditating, taking a walk, working on your hobby, or listening to your favourite music.

●     Ask for help if you feel down.

●     A mental health counsellor, support group, friend, or family member who will listen to your concerns may help you feel better.

Eat well.

●     Make a special customised diabetes meal plan with help from your health care team. Care Home Pharmacies in Warwickshire can offer their expertise for such plans.

●     Choose foods which are lower in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt.

●     Eat foods with more fibre, such as whole-grain cereal, bread, crackers, pasta, or rice.

●     Choose foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, bread and cereals, and skim milk or low-fat and cheese.

●     Drink water instead of having juice and regular soda.

●     When eating a meal, half of your plate should have fruits and veggies, one quarter with a lean protein, like beans, or chicken or turkey without the skin. Have one quarter with a whole grain, such as whole-wheat pasta or brown rice.

Be active.

●     Set a goal to stay active most days of the week. Start by taking 10-minute walks, at least three times a day.

●     Twice a week, work to improve your muscle strength. Use stretch bands, do yoga, heavy gardening, or try push-ups.

●     Stay at or get to a healthy weight by using a proper diet.

Know what to do every day.

●     Take your medications for diabetes and any other health issues even when you feel good. Tell your physician if you cannot afford your medicines or if you have any side effects.

●     Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, red spots, and swelling. Call your physician right away about any sores which do not go away.

●     Stop smoking.

Keep track of your blood sugar. You may want to check it one or more times a day. Make sure to talk about it with your health care team. Check your blood pressure if your physician advice and keep a record of it.