Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects over 100 million Americans every day. It’s not a curable disease, but people can learn to manage it to live a full life. South Coast Post Acute works with many of our patients in figuring out how they can efficiently handle their diabetes. That is why we wrote this article, to highlight ways you or a loved one can manage this disease.
South Coast Post Acute is a premier post-acute care facility in Southern California. We’re known for our extraordinary level of care and compassionate staff. Learn how we help patients manage their diabetes to ensure they live a happy, healthy life.
A Diabetes-Friendly Diet
One of the most important life changes patients may face is what they eat. If you have diabetes, you need to know how certain foods will affect your blood sugar levels. Additionally, how much of a certain food you can have.
You’ll need to watch out for excessive carb intake and make every meal well-balanced. Avoid sugary beverages like soda, juice, and sports drinks, as these typically contain lots of carbohydrates and calories. However, if your blood sugar is low they’re perfect for raising your numbers.
You will also need to learn how to coordinate your meals and medication. Too little food after injecting insulin can result in low blood sugar. Too much food can cause your blood sugar to climb despite taking your insulin.
It’s an incredibly difficult thing to get used to, but working with a nutritionist can help you adjust to a new eating lifestyle.
Improve Your Exercise Routine
Another important aspect of diabetes management is getting into an exercise routine. When we exercise, our muscles use sugar to produce energy and helps our bodies use insulin more efficiently. The more strenuous your workout is, the longer the effects last.
You must speak with your doctor to establish an exercise plan. If you’ve been inactive for a while, your doctor may even want to check your overall health. Once they examine you, they’ll be able to recommend a balance of aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises.
If you take insulin for your diabetes, you may need to reduce your insulin intake before exercising. As mentioned, you use insulin a lot more when active. If you’re in the middle of a run and notice your blood sugars are dipping, it could be dangerous. That is why we also recommend bringing your blood sugar reader to monitor your levels to avoid situations like this.
Properly Take Care of Diabetes Medication
Insulin and other medication are expensive, and they must remain effective when consumed. When it comes to insulin, it’s sensitive to extreme temperatures. Avoid placing it in extremely hot and cold spaces as it could affect its efficiency. If you’re having problems with your medication, you need to contact your doctor right away.
Additionally, you’ll need to be cautious with new medications. If you’re being prescribed a new drug to treat another condition, you need to ask if it will affect your blood sugar. Also, make sure you consult with your doctor before taking any new over-the-counter medication. That way you know how it may impact your blood sugar level.
Manage Your Stress
When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that may cause a rise in your blood sugar levels. Stress can also make it harder for you to focus on your diabetes management. That is why we recommend logging your stress level on a scale of 1 to 10 when logging your blood sugar level. Moreover, learning new strategies to cope with stressful situations can help tremendously. Seek the help of a psychologist or clinical social worker to identify stressors and how to appropriately handle them.
South Coast Post Acute Can Help You Manage Your Diabetes
For more than 40 years, South Coast Post Acute has been the post-acute care facility of choice in Southern California. Our team is dedicated to providing quality care to ensure our patients receive the best-in-class treatment. Whether you’re looking for diabetes help or rehabilitation therapy, we’re here for you. Contact us today to learn more.