Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by increased blood sugar levels. It results in severe damage to blood vessels, kidneys, heart, and other parts of the body. Adults usually face Type 2 Diabetes when the body cannot resist insulin or is unable to produce enough insulin. 

According to WHO, at present, there are more than 422 million people suffering from diabetes across the world, and the number is growing at a rapid rate. In fact, in India, the total number of active diabetes cases is around 77 million.

One of the primary reasons is the unhealthy lifestyle and stress. The daily routine for diabetic patients matters the most in controlling diabetes. More than half of the population isn't completely aware of their diabetic status, resulting in severe health complications. Following strict diabetes management guidelines will help monitor the disease and promote a healthy lifestyle. So, let’s explore the daily routine of diabetic patients and how it can be managed well to have a healthy lifestyle.

Top Guidelines for Diabetes Management
 

Consuming Right Food

Daily routine food for diabetic patients is essential to manage the condition. Maintaining blood sugar levels within the range prescribed by your healthcare provider is crucial if you have diabetes. Food items with low-sugar content, balanced sodium levels, and homecooked meals can significantly help you manage your blood sugar levels.

Plan Balanced Meals

Understanding what and how much to eat is part of a healthy eating plan. Meal planning techniques that are frequently used are the plate approach and carb counting. Based on your dietary habits and the progression of diabetes, you may be required to opt for meal planning with a trained dietician or healthcare provider. This will help you avoid food items that would cause a glucose spike and help you maintain your blood sugar levels throughout the day. A balanced meal also helps you feel more energetic during the day and reduces your cravings and hunger pangs. All these factors combined are very beneficial for managing diabetes.

Carbohydrate Counting

Counting carbohydrates entails recording the grams of carbohydrates consumed through food and beverages throughout the day. Knowing how many carbs are in food and drink is essential to keep insulin at the right level. Nutrient-dense foods include entire grains, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, the fibre in them contributes to more stable blood sugar levels. Eat less highly processed and refined carbohydrates. These include white bread, rice, sugary cereal, cookies, candy, and chips.

Plate Planning & Division

Meal planning is easier than carb counting. Using the plate technique, you can limit portion sizes and consume a healthy balance of foods. Arrange no starchy veggies to cover half of the platter. Green beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce are a few examples. The remaining half of the plate should be divided into two equal parts. These smaller pieces may be referred to as quarters. Arrange lean proteins and carbs in these portions to complete your plate. This type of meal planning helps you manage your portions and keep your calorie intake in check.

Limit Sugary Beverage

Today, none of the bottled drinks available on a store shelf are without preservatives. Each bottle of soft drink contains heavy amounts of added sugar. Drinks with added sugar typically have little nutritional value and plenty of calories. They also quickly raise blood sugar levels. So, if you have diabetes or prediabetes, it's better to minimise the consumption of these kinds of drinks. 

Doing The Right Workout Session

One vital diabetes management guideline is to follow the proper workout session. Exercise is another crucial component of diabetes management. Your muscles use blood sugar as an energy source while exercising and moving around. Frequent exercise also improves the way your body uses insulin. Together, these elements lower your blood sugar levels. The longer the effect lasts, the more intense your workout is. However, even modest exercise might raise your blood sugar levels. Walking, gardening, and housework are examples of light activities.

Keep your Body Active

It's time to get active if you aren't already. You are not required to cross-train and join a gym. Simply go for a short walk or engage in jogging. Most days of the week, you should aim for 30 minutes of activity that causes you to perspire and breathe a little more forcefully. Living an active lifestyle lowers blood sugar, which aids diabetes control. It also lessens the likelihood of developing heart disease. It can also reduce tension and help you shed additional pounds.

Regular Screenings

Regular screenings are extremely important in helping you maintain a healthy blood sugar level. When trying a new diet, working out more, or changing anything significant about your lifestyle, check your blood sugar levels. Similarly, regular screening can help you ensure whether your efforts to manage your blood sugar levels are effective.

Keep Stress Level in Control

Stress increases blood sugar levels, and anxiety may result in poor diabetes management. You might neglect to take your medication, eat healthfully, or exercise. Look for techniques to decompress, such as yoga, deep breathing, or relaxing pastimes. These practices will help you lower your stress levels and support the diabetes management efforts you are performing.

Give up smoking 

Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney illness, nerve damage, and foot issues, among other health issues. Smoking can increase the chance of diabetes as well as other cardiovascular conditions. If you smoke regularly, it is crucial that you quit or at least contemplate quitting. If you want support, you can consult your physician to understand ways you can try to quit smoking.

Conclusion

Following these diabetes management guidelines will help you manage your blood sugar levels. If you need further help in understanding lifestyle management practices to help manage diabetes, check out MASSH. Our preventative and functional medicine practices are certain to help you manage diabetes without the immediate need for medical intervention, focusing heavily on lifestyle and dietary changes. Check out our website to learn more about diabetes treatment at MASSH or visit us today to consult with our expert endocrinologists.