Vacaville Chiropractor Discusses Lifestyle Changes to Manage Your Diabetes

If you want to manage your diabetes, then it should require awareness from you at all times. You should have an idea of what causes your blood sugar level to rise and fall.

Diabetics in Vacaville understand that managing blood sugar levels within the recommended range can be challenging. It's because there are many factors that cause your blood sugar level to change, sometimes unexpectedly. But if you work closely with your doctor, you can make these lifestyle changes work to your advantage.

Changes to Manage Your Diabetes in Vacaville

Here are some key changes that you need to apply to your daily life:

1. Eat healthy - When you have diabetes, it is best that you understand what you put in your mouth. The foods that you eat can affect your blood sugar. It is recommended that you only eat as much as your body needs. Make sure to fill up your plate mostly with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Non dairy and lean meats are also a great addition to your diet. You should avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. Also, keep in mind that carbohydrates turn into sugar, so you should watch your carb intake. Lastly, every meal should be the same and it is important that you take insulin or other drugs to control your blood sugar level.
2. Get regular checkups - You should see your doctor at least twice a year. Diabetes can be dangerous since it could make you more at risk of heart disease. You need to also learn how to read your cholesterol, blood pressure, and A1c on your own. If ever you start developing problems like nerve damage and foot ulcers, you should see your doctor right away.
3. Exercise - If you don't have an active lifestyle, then now is the best time to start. It is not necessary for you to be enrolled in a gym because even simple activities like walking or riding a bike can already suffice. Your goal is to do 30 minutes of daily activity that makes you sweat and breathe harder. An active lifestyle is a great way of managing your diabetes since it could lower your blood sugar level and chances of getting heart disease. The best part about it is that you will lose those extra pounds and relieve any stress.
4. Stop smoking - Diabetes can cause other health problems to develop like stroke, eye disease, foot problems, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and blood vessel disease. If you smoke, your chances of developing these problems are getting higher. Also, smoking can cause difficulties in your exercise so it's best if you just stop. S
5. Manage stress - Stress can raise your blood sugar levels. And when you're anxious, you can't manage your diabetes very well. It can even make you forget your exercise, proper diet, or take necessary medicines. There are many ways that you can do to relieve stress such as yoga, breathing exercises, or certain hobbies that relax you.
6. Watch your alcohol intake - You will have an easier time controlling your blood sugar level if you limit your consumption of beer, wine, and liquor. If drinking alcoholic beverages is unavoidable for you, at least don't overdo it. Women should limit themselves to 1 drink a day while men should have no more than 2. Alcohol can cause your blood sugar to go high or low. So before drinking, you should check your blood sugar and take certain steps to prevent it from dropping low. If you're taking insulin or drugs for diabetes, make sure to eat when you're drinking. There are drinks that are high in carbs, so make sure to consider them when counting your carbs.