Complications and Management

Diabetes Management

How Lifestyle and Daily Routine Affect Blood Sugar
Effective diabetes management requires a strong awareness of the factors that influence blood sugar levels. It's essential to understand what causes your blood sugar to rise and fall and how to control these daily factors. Maintaining blood sugar levels within the recommended range set by your doctor can be challenging, but with a balanced diet, regular exercise, frequent blood sugar monitoring, and following your doctor's guidance, you can better control your levels. Many things—such as food, physical activity, stress, and even sleep—can cause fluctuations in blood sugar, sometimes unexpectedly. By staying proactive and consistent with your routine, you can manage your diabetes more effectively.

What to do

Healthy eating is essential for everyone, but for those with diabetes, it's crucial to understand how different foods impact blood sugar levels. Both the type and amount of food you eat, as well as how you combine foods, play a significant role in managing blood sugar effectively.

Carbohydrate Counting & Portion Sizes: Learn about carbohydrate counting and proper portion sizes. Ask your doctor or dietitian for guidance.
Balanced Meals: Ensure every meal is well-balanced.
Fiber-Rich Foods: Include fiber-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, which help slow the absorption of glucose and prevent blood sugar spikes.
Limit Fat-Rich Foods: Reduce high-fat foods; choose white meat and seafood over red meat.
Meal & Medication Coordination: Follow your doctor's advice to coordinate meals with your medications.
Avoid Sugary & Junk Foods: Stay away from sugar-sweetened drinks and junk food, as they are high in fat and calories.

Physical activity is a key component of diabetes management. Exercise helps your muscles use glucose for energy and improves insulin efficiency, both of which lower blood sugar levels. Strenuous workouts have a longer-lasting effect, but even light activities like housework or gardening can benefit your blood sugar. Follow your doctor’s or health counselor’s advice on the right type, amount, and duration of exercise to avoid over-exercising or injury.

What to do

Consult Your Doctor: Discuss an exercise plan with your doctor to determine the right type and duration of exercise for you.
Daily Routine: Maintain a consistent daily exercise routine.
Monitor Blood Sugar: Check your blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise, and keep a record in your diary.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water or other fluids during exercise.
Carry Snacks: Always have a small snack or glucose tablet with you for emergencies.
Adjust Treatment: Adjust your diabetes treatment plan as needed based on your exercise routine and blood sugar levels.

What to do

Insulin and other diabetes medications help lower blood sugar when diet and exercise aren't enough. Their effectiveness depends on the timing and dose. Additionally, medications for other conditions can also impact your blood sugar levels.

Strictly follow your doctor’s prescription and take medications regularly.
Properly store insulin and other medications; insulin is sensitive to temperature and should not be used past its expiration date.
Report any issues with low or high blood sugar levels to your doctor; dosage or timing may need adjustment.
Be cautious with new medications—consult your doctor or pharmacist about any over-the-counter drugs or prescriptions for other conditions (e.g., high blood pressure or cholesterol) to ensure they won’t affect your blood sugar.

What to do

Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for people with diabetes to prevent gum and tooth problems. Proper care of your gums and teeth can help avoid complications related to diabetes, such as infections and slower healing. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Maintain good blood sugar control.
Inform your dentist that you have diabetes.
Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
Have a dental check-up every six months.
Quit smoking if you smoke.

Daily foot care is essential for diabetes management. High blood sugar can increase the risk of infections, and nerve damage may cause reduced sensation in your feet, making minor injuries more likely to go unnoticed. A regular foot care routine helps prevent complications and infections.

What to do

Wear comfortable shoes that are well-padded and do not rub or pinch.
Always wear socks, preferably cotton socks.
Never walk barefoot.
Check your shoes for wear, tear, or debris before wearing them.
Examine the soles of your feet daily using a mirror for any minor injuries and consult your doctor if you find any issues.
Trim your nails regularly and gently, preferably after a bath when they’re softer and easier to trim.