Living with diabetes can be tough. Anyone can develop it, and it can cause many ancillary health problems, including nerve and kidney damage, foot decay, hearing impairments, and even eye diseases. While there is no known cure for diabetes, it’s important to be optimistic and understand that it’s not a death sentence. People live full lives with diabetes. How do you live a happy and healthy life with diabetes? Read on to find out.
Visit Your Doctor Regularly
If you have diabetes, you’ll need to go to the doctor more often. You must get medical check-ups as often as possible and consult your doctor whenever you make any changes in your diet, exercise regimen, or lifestyle. There are many things to learn about diabetes, and the amount of information can be overwhelming. As far as you’re concerned, your doctor is your most important advisor, and you should be proactive and lean on them before you have a medical emergency.
You never want to be in a situation where your condition worsens and you can’t trace it back to the cause. See your doctor every four to six months. If possible, ask for a referral for classes on diabetes management. Some doctors will give you one as part of your treatment plan. Arming yourself with knowledge about how diabetes impacts your body is key to success.
Make Dietary Changes
Contact your doctor when you make any dietary changes. In addition, follow some general dietary rules across the board. Cut out sweets as much as possible, except for in situations where your blood sugar is low. Caffeine is a no-go, and too many carbohydrates can spell disaster. After you consult your doctor on the matter, your best bet is to get on a diet that’s high in protein and fiber and low in carbs. Focus on eating lean fats and lots of veggies.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is essential to maintaining a healthy weight, and weight complicates things when you have diabetes. However, there is one exception to this rule: if your doctor believes you’re already at a healthy weight, losing weight can exacerbate diabetes. The good news is that exercise isn’t just about the numbers on the scale. Exercise increases circulation, lowers blood pressure, and regulates metabolism. It’s almost impossible to manage diabetes without exercise, so don’t skip this step.
This article has covered how to live a happy and healthy life with diabetes. Getting diagnosed with diabetes can be scary, but with the right support system, discipline, and care, you’ll be able to mitigate symptoms and move forward in your life.
