5 Important Ways to Manage Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you’re not alone. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are more than 37 million people in the United States who have this condition.

And although diabetes can present many health challenges, the good news is that research and technology have steadily advanced over the years, allowing people with diabetes to live well. 

At Alpha Care Medical, with locations in Seaford, Millsboro, Harrington, and Dover, Delaware, our compassionate providers offer customized treatment plans to help people with diabetes live life to the fullest. And as part of that, we offer guidance on how to best manage the condition. 

What is diabetes?

In a normal situation, the body turns food into blood sugar, or glucose. Insulin then enables the blood sugar to enter the cells of your body to use as energy.

With diabetes, the body either produces little to no insulin — as is the case with Type 1 diabetes — or the body can’t use the insulin it does produce — as is the case with Type 2 diabetes. Because of this, the glucose stays in the blood and builds up, leading to a variety of health issues. Type I diabetes is hereditary, and Type 2 diabetes can develop over time due to a variety of factors, such as being overweight.

In the early stages of diabetes, it’s common to experience a number of physical complications, such as increased hunger and thirst, along with unexplained weight loss and blurry vision. Left untreated, more serious complications can occur, such as blindness, cardiovascular disease, and skin and foot damage, which can lead to amputation. Many people with diabetes also suffer from depression and anxiety.

What are some ways to manage diabetes? 

Proper diabetes management is key to living a healthy life. And while you may still experience issues, proper management can help drastically reduce your chances of developing serious complications. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you effectively manage your condition and protect your overall health.

1. Get up

Exercise is essential, whether or not you have diabetes. However, if you have it, exercise is all the more important. Not only can exercise improve your mood, but it can also help lower your blood sugar levels and may even boost your body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Before engaging in an exercise regimen, speak with your provider at Alpha Care Medical. People of all ages can develop diabetes, but not every exercise is appropriate for every person. Regardless of the type of exercise, committing to physical activity is a good way to help keep diabetes symptoms in check.

2. Get your fiber

When it comes to living with diabetes, mindful eating can go a long way. You need to pay close attention to your carbohydrate and sugar intake and make sure you consume enough fiber every day. Fiber has many benefits for people living with diabetes. Fiber can help regulate your blood sugar and also help balance your intake of carbs. 

3. Get quality care

Living with diabetes can be difficult to navigate, but having a diabetes care team can help you live well and steer clear from complications. Your care team may include a podiatrist, an endocrinologist, a nurse who specializes in diabetes care, and an ophthalmologist. Your team can give you all of the guidance you need for your day-to-day life with diabetes. 

4. Get your water

Just as exercise is essential, water is also essential to helping your body manage diabetes. Water can help your blood circulate and also help dilute your blood sugar.

5. Get support

When you have diabetes, it’s essential to receive support from others, such as friends and loved ones. You can also talk with others who have diabetes, so you can support and learn from each other.

If you have diabetes and want care, or if you want to see if you have diabetes, call 800-818-8680 to book an appointment with Alpha Care Medical today.