How To Manage Diabetes.

As usual i will continue to educate nmaora readers.... please read and absorb. kapish

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t eat your favourite foods. But you need to know how your food choices will affect your blood sugar. A diabetes educator or dietitian can help you learn skills — such as counting carbohydrates, reading food labels, and sizing up portions — that will let you keep your diabetes in check while still enjoying your favorite meals.read on

Define your plate

Use a rule of three to build a healthy, satisfying meal. This rule can help you lose weight and manage your diabetes by increasing your intake of non-starchy foods. Divide your plate in half. Fill one half with non-starchy vegetables like spinach. Next, divide the empty side into two halves. Use one for starchy foods like bread or pasta. In the last section, add meat or another protein. You can also add an 8-ounce glass of low-fat milk and a ½ cup of fruit.

Write it down

Get in the habit of writing down your critical information. Record your daily blood sugar levels to track how food, activity, and medicines affect your blood sugar. A written record can show you and your doctor whether your diabetes treatment is working over the long term. Writing down your goals and feelings in a journal may also help you stay on track and better communicate with your health care providers.

Drink alcohol only with food

Your doctor may say it’s OK for you to have an occasional drink. Drink alcohol only when you can eat something along with it, because alcohol can cause low blood sugar. Also have some water handy in case you get thirsty. Even so, mixed drinks can raise your blood sugar if you use juice or a regular soda as your mixer. Women should drink no more than one alcoholic drink per day, and men no more than two a day.

Have a sick-day plan in place

Common illnesses like colds, flu, and diarrhea can make your blood sugar rise. And having diabetes in turn may make it harder to fight off infections. Have a plan in case you get sick. Store snacks that are easy on the stomach but can still give you enough fluids and carbs. Check your blood sugar more often and know when to check for ketones and when to call your doctor. Get a flu shot every year.

Check your feet every night

Use a hand mirror or ask someone to help you look for cuts, swelling, or color changes on your feet. Don’t forget to look between your toes, too. If you see unhealed cuts or broken skin, call your doctor right away. Make foot care part of your daily routine: Wash and moisturize your feet and trim your toenails as needed. Talk to your doctor about treating corns or calluses. And have him examine your feet during every visit

Manage your medicine cabinet

You may take pills or injections to manage your diabetes. Try to keep 3 days’ worth of your diabetes medicines and supplies on hand in case of an emergency, as well as a list of all your medicines. Your drugs may interact with other medicines, even ones that can be bought without a prescription. Make sure to tell your doctor before you take any new medicine. And always take your list to your regular doctor and dental appointments.

Exercise in short sessions

It may be hard to find time to exercise. It can also be hard to keep going if you’re not used to exercising for 30 minutes straight. The good news is you can spread your 30 minutes throughout the day. Three 10-minute walks are as good as 30 minutes at once. So don’t hold out to exercise when you have a lot of time. Moderate physical activity (both strength building and cardio) will help you control your blood sugar, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce stress.