How Everyday Habits Can Help Manage Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people in the United States. An estimated 34 million Americans have diabetes, while 88 million are prediabetic. While diabetes can be managed with medication and insulin, there are also many simple habits you can adopt to help keep your blood sugar levels under control. Let’s take a look at some easy everyday habits that can help manage diabetes.
Monitor Your Diet
Pay attention to what you eat and drink, especially if you have type 2 diabetes. Eating too much sugar or unhealthy carbohydrates can raise your blood sugar levels quickly. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Also try to avoid processed foods as much as possible since they contain high amounts of added sugars and unhealthy fats.
Stay Active
Exercise is essential for everyone but it’s especially important for those with diabetes since it helps regulate your blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day such as walking, running, biking, or swimming. You can even break this up into 10-minute increments throughout the day if necessary! Exercise also helps reduce stress and improve your overall health which is beneficial if you have other medical conditions in addition to diabetes.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep plays an important role in managing your diabetes since it helps regulate hormones associated with appetite control and energy metabolism. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and make sure your bedroom is comfortable so that it’s easy to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep through the night. Additionally, try to avoid screen time right before bedtime as this could interfere with your body’s natural circadian rhythm and disrupt your sleep patterns.
By making small changes in your everyday habits such as monitoring what you eat and drink, staying active, and getting enough sleep each night, you can help manage your diabetes more effectively over time! Additionally, if needed talk to a doctor about medications or treatments that may be beneficial for managing the condition specifically tailored to you! Taking small steps towards healthier habits will help improve overall health outcomes in the long run!
