How to Effectively Manage Your Diabetes

Managing your blood sugar levels within the recommended range is challenging. The first step to diabetes management is to know the ABCs of the condition, including what it is, how it affects your body, and what factors make your blood sugar levels to rise and fall. 

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes by an endocrinologist at the Hutchinson Clinic, a medical center in Hutchinson, Kansas, here are a few factors to consider to effectively manage your diabetes:

Food

Healthy eating habits are the cornerstone of healthy living. If you have diabetes, you need to know how food impacts your blood sugar levels. Along with the type of food, how much you eat and the combination of food type you consume should be monitored closely.

What to do

Learn to count carbohydrates: foods rich in carbs have the biggest impact on your blood sugar levels. If you take mealtime insulin, know the right amount of carbs to consume so that you get the right insulin dose. It’s better to get help from the endocrinologist for meal planning. 

Eat a well-balanced diet: your diet should comprise a mix of starches, vegetables, fruits, and food rich in protein and fat. When preparing the diet, pay attention to the types of carbs you are including. Complex carbs may be better for you than simple carbs. It’s always recommended to consult a nutritionist for the right food and a balanced diet. 

Avoid sugar food or beverage: sugary food products are high in empty calories and low in nutrition. They cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly, which is why it’s best to avoid them.

Coordinate your medication and meal: always eat food in proportion to your diabetes medication prescribed by your medical doctor. Too little or too much food in proportion to the medication can cause your blood sugar levels to fall or rise significantly. 

Always follow the advice of the endocrinologist in regards to meal and medication.

Exercise

Physical activity is another wheel that drives healthy living, whether you have diabetes or not. During physical activity, your muscles use sugar for energy. Regular exercise can keep your blood sugar level in control and help your body to efficiently use insulin. However, it’s recommended to consult your medical doctor or endocrinologist to prepare an exercise plan for you.

Medication

When diet and exercise don’t keep your blood sugar levels in the recommended range, medications come into the picture. It’s crucial to know the right time and dosage of your diabetes medication to effectively manage diabetes. If you take medication for another condition along with diabetes, it can also impact your blood sugar levels. Ask your medical doctor in case your medication doesn’t help in managing the condition.

Bottom line

You can easily manage your diabetes if you know all the ins and outs of the condition, including the factors that cause your blood sugar levels to rise and fall. If you need help in managing your diabetes, we can help. We have a Board Certified endocrinologist at the Hutchinson Clinic, a medical center in Hutchinson, Kansas who will look at your medical history and come up with a plan best suited to your individual health needs.