Diabetes mellitus, also known simply as diabetes, is a metabolic condition that causes high blood sugar levels. When left untreated, it can damage the eyes, nerves, kidneys, and other organs. However, affected individuals can manage their diabetes by focusing on these key lifestyle changes.
Eat Healthy
What we eat affects our blood sugar. Although one doesn’t need to keep specific foods strictly off-limits, it’s important to focus on eating plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Also, when possible, choose lean meats over fatty cuts and non-fat dairy as opposed to full-fat dairy products. It’s also a good idea to limit carbs since carbohydrates turn into sugar and impact blood sugar levels.
Get Plenty of Exercise
It’s not necessary to join a gym and cross-train or run on the treadmill for hours to lower blood sugar levels. Instead, focus on making simple changes to become more active. So, for instance, instead of taking the elevator, one may want to take the stairs. Instead of driving or taking a cab to the mall, ride a bike or walk the distance if it isn’t too far. An active lifestyle can help control diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. This also helps lower one’s chances of getting heart disease. What’s more, it can ease stress and help overweight individuals lose weight.
Find Ways to Manage Stress
It’s a known fact that stress can increase blood sugar levels. What’s more, most people forget to eat right, take their medications, or exercise when they are stressed, which further worsens their diabetes. Given this, it’s important to find effective ways to relieve stress. A few practices that people swear by to lower stress include deep breathing, yoga, etc.
Stop Smoking
Diabetes makes it a lot more likely for one to have health problems like eye disease, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, nerve damage, and foot problems. Diabetics who smoke constantly are at a higher risk of being affected by such issues. Smoking can also make it a lot harder for one to exercise, which can further increase the risk of other lifestyle diseases. People who are struggling to kick the habit should talk to their doctor about the right way to go about quitting.
