Mega Doctor News
Diabetes basics
Remember when you first found out you had diabetes and learned the basics of self-care?
- Make and eat healthy food.
- Be active most days.
- Test your blood sugar often.
- Take medicines as prescribed, even if you feel good.
- Learn ways to manage stress.
- Cope with the emotional side of diabetes and learn to manage stress.
- Go to checkups.
You’ve had to make diabetes care fit with family, work, school, holidays, and everything else in your life. Here’s our short list of tips to help.
KEEP READING:Monitoring Your Blood Sugar
Tips for living well with diabetes
Healthy eating
- Take the time to cook. Simple recipes can be healthy and delicious.
- Write down or take photos of meals and snacks to help you stay on track.
- Try an online cooking class to learn how to make veggies taste delicious.
- Skip “diabetic” foods. They tend to be high cost and low flavor.
- Make the same food for you and your family. Healthy eating for everyone!
- Try Meatless Monday. Beans and lentils are cheap, tasty, and good for you.
- Have veggies instead of rice or pasta. You can also blend cooked veggies and add them to sauces.
KEEP READING:Healthy Eating
Being active
- Being active is one of the best tools to manage diabetes, and it’s free!
- Find ways to be active throughout the day, like climbing stairs.
- Work out with a friend. You’ll be more likely to stick with it.
- Try an activity tracker (many are free) and watch your steps add up.
- Try online workout videos. There’s something for every level of fitness.
KEEP READING:Get active
Managing stress
- Try meditation or yoga to relax.
- Get moving! Taking a walk can help you unwind.
- Call or make plans to get together with a friend who understands you.
KEEP READING:Diabetes and Mental Health
Getting enough sleep
- Keep your bedroom dark and cool (65 degrees is recommended).
- Keep TVs, computers, and smartphones out of the bedroom.
- Get some physical activity during the day.
- Mentally unwind and relax before bedtime.
- Have a bedtime routine, like taking a shower or reading.
Healthy habits
- For new habits, start small. Small successes make bigger goals easier.
- Make goals specific: “I’m going to walk after dinner on weekdays.”
- Make good choices easier, such as leaving the dog’s leash by the door.
KEEP READING:3 Steps to Building a Healthy Habit
Resources and support
Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) can help you:
- Learn practical skills.
- Gain confidence.
- Get support.
Everyone with diabetes can benefit from DSMES, whether they’re newly diagnosed or have had it for several years.
Ask your doctor to recommend a diabetes educator. You can also search the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists’ nationwide directory for a list of educators in your community.
