Living with Diabetes
Living with diabetes requires some lifestyle changes. Some more dramatic then others. Diet and exercise will be playing a big part of your life if you have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. These things will help control the blood sugar levels and prevent any complications that come with diabetes.
Your diet will be very important. It is the key to maintaining a good blood sugar level.
If you are over weight or obese, you will need to start a weight loss regime straight away. If you are having trouble, go talk to a health care professional or dietician. That’s what they are there for. They are there for you.
Eating a good diet that is high in fiber and low in saturated fats and concentrated sweets is a good start. Make sure your diet and calorie intake is consistent every day. This will help your doctor prescribe the right amount of insulin dose for you.
It will also help to keep your blood sugar levels even. Too high or too low of levels can be very dangerous to your health.
Regular exercise can help prevent diabetes. If you already have diabetes, it can help regulate your blood sugar levels and help avoid some complications that come with diabetes such as heart disease, blindness, total kidney failure and stroke.
Simply walking 20 mintues a day or even just 3 times a week can make a huge difference to your health. Any exercise at all is beneficial. Make sure you consult with your GP before you take on any exercise routine if you are obese or have other medical problems.
Drinking and smoking with diabetes is a big no no. While MILD alcohol use is considered OK, not ideal, try not to have more then a few drinks every week. Do not binge drink and never more then 2 or 3 standard drinks in one day.
Smoking damages blood cells, and blood cells are what complicates diabetes. Smoking can make your diabetes 100 times worse. Smoking contributes to heart disease and stroke, which are the two biggest killers of diabetes patients.