Diabetes Essentials – Critical Information & News For Diabetics

March 2, 2017March 3, 2017

The Strategic Fight Against Diabetes

There are many ailments that afflict mankind today. Whereas some are caused by dirt and bacteria, others are inherited genetically. A case in point is diabetes.

General Definition

Diabetes is an ailment that results when insulin levels in the body remain unregulated. When the human pancreas fails, then blood sugar either increases or decreases causing a general imbalance in some salts present in the body.

Types of Diabetes

Presently, there are two kinds of diabetes common to man. These are namely Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Types 1 diabetes is commonly referred to as juvenile onset or insulin-dependent diabetes. On the other hand, adult onset or non – insulin – dependent diabetes are the other names used to refer to Type 2 diabetes.

Understanding Adult-Onset

This is a type of diabetes familiar to people of all ages and sizes. Its un-discriminatory nature puts everyone at the risk of infection. Unlike children, adults are the most affected by this ailment. Adult-onset is the most common type of diabetes today and has been on the rise especially on people aged below eighteen years.

This type of diabetes results when the body is unable to use the insulin produced by the pancreas. As the condition worsens, the human body of the affected might become completely resistant to insulin absorption, leading to a condition commonly referred to as insulin deficiency.

How to Discover This Ailment?

Many times non-insulin-dependent diabetes goes unnoticed. People are therefore advised to keep on going for regular screening. When detected early, its adverse effects can be easily controlled.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes is an ailment characterized by some symptoms. These are:

– Wounds that take too long to heal;

– Constant urge of going for a short call;

– Continuous and unexplained thirst even after having a glass of water;

– Unexplained pangs of hunger even when stomach full;

– Redundant eyesight;

– Dizziness;

– Constant body exhaustion;

– Nausea coupled with vomiting;

– Unexplained weight loss common to people suffering from juvenile-onset; and

– General limb numbness was peculiar to non-insulin-dependent diabetes.

If a person exhibits any of these symptoms, it is always advisable that he visits a doctor as soon as possible.

How to Fight Diabetes

Currently, diabetes has no known cure. However, its symptoms can be controlled. To reduce the symptoms of diabetes, treatment is aimed at controlling blood glucose levels. Diabetes patients are usually encouraged to eat healthy diets. Individuals were suffering from juvenile –onset are encouraged to consume meals low on carbohydrates. Also, it is controlled through regular exercise, and with insulin.

On the other hand, adult-onset is treated and controlled using non-insulin medication. Also, certain patients are advised to make use of insulin and even exercise regularly so as to reduce on body weight. Finally, diet changes are inevitable. However, people suffering from adult-onset are treated differently. The type of medication used in this case is dictated by any underlying allergies and a person’s health status. Therefore, understanding the unique symptoms of diabetes is crucial to its eradication and treatment.

February 24, 2017March 3, 2017

The Extraordinary Considerations of a Diabetic

Living with diabetes is a tricky balance of life’s many “cans” and “cannots”. Most people have a general and very basic idea that this is certainly a condition that is troublesome. However, unless your life or a close loved-one’s has been directly touched by diabetes, it can easily remain a subject of hazy understanding at most.

Not just a constant gauntlet of cans and cannots, diabetes is also a greater story of extra, and sometimes extraordinary, considerations and adaptations. Deserving a book unto themselves, these special considerations that many diabetics must regularly heed are many. For those interested in a condensed version, however, here are some of the most common things to consider when having diabetes that many people are understandably unaware of.

Travel Trials

Staying at home in a regulated environment is one thing. However, for those that want to get out and see the world, travel is a whole other, special consideration. First, the diabetic must pack, not only for their normal person, but also for their diabetic person as well. They must then tend to many questions such as:

– How many monitoring and maintenance supplies should I take?

– Can I get more supplies along the way or at the destination?

– How are diabetic supplies handled at customs and airport checkpoints?

– How will I handle monitoring and privacy between and throughout my planned travel activities?

Beyond packing, there is also that ever-present concern for food intake that every traveler must heed – especially the diabetic. Rarely does the traveler rely exclusively on their own, accompanying foods for an entire excursion. This is certainly no fun, nor is it conducive to the social and non-hindering spirit that most wish to enjoy while traveling. In the end, the diabetic must maintain complete vigilance and foresight with regard to their food choices on a trip that an otherwise healthy person typically would not.

Psychological Demand

Control, vigilance, and more control – it’s easy to overlook from the outside, but the truth is that diabetes requires quite the steady psychological application as well. Such intense planning and constant awareness require a lot of mental energy. Applying this planning and awareness in everyday situations takes even more mental energy. Those who are successful regularly here definitely can wear a patch of well-earned pride.

Physical Activity Balance

In this constant fight to keep blood sugar and insulin levels under control, another oft-overlooked consideration unique to diabetics is the very real need to balance physical activity. Physicality is required of all bodies, to an extent, in maintaining good health. The catch for diabetics, however, is in achieving the right amounts of exercise and at the right times. As blood sugar rides the body’s trends in metabolism and physical activity, this necessary component to good, overall health can go on to become a tricky act to balance.

Whether you have borderline, type 1, type 2 diabetes, or any other subtype, you know that it is all about precious balance and control. It is all about considerations that many others don’t necessarily need to be concerned with in their daily lives. Everyone deals some adversity in life, but for diabetics, these are some of the unique and sometimes extraordinary considerations that are always on your plate.

February 17, 2017March 3, 2017

What Type of Diet Plan is Right for a Type 2 Diabetic?

Now that you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it’s time to make some changes. One of the major changes you will make has to do with your eating habits. While you are free to eat whatever you like, it’s important to remember that proper nutrition and employing a few basic strategies will allow you to control your diabetes symptoms and feel better in general. Here are some tips that will help.

Learn the Difference Between Simply and Complex Carbohydrates

Avoiding all carbohydrates is not the answer. Your body still needs some carbohydrates in order to function properly. What it doesn’t need is loads of simple carbohydrates. Your best bet is to include carbs sparingly and focus mainly on complex carbohydrates in your meal planning.

Simple carbohydrates include things like processed sugar and bleached flour. The carbohydrate content of some vegetables, like corn, also fall into this category. Consuming foods made using these products will increase your blood glucose levels and increase the odds of making your diabetes symptoms worse.

Complex carbohydrates do increase glucose levels but at a slower rate. This gives your body more of a chance to use the glucose and not have high levels linger in your bloodstream. Many foods with complex carbohydrates, including whole grains, also provide many of the nutrients your body needs. While you should refrain from building your meals around these foods, it’s fine to include small portions in your daily meal planning.

Think Dark Green

Many people with diabetes know that dark green vegetables paired with lean meats are excellent choices. Creating a kale salad and serving it with a skinless grilled chicken breast is a wonderful way to enjoy your food, take in the nutrients your body needs, and avoid too many carbs. If you feel the need for some bread with your meal, it’s fine to include a single slice of whole grain bread with a non-fat and low-carb spread for flavor.

If you don’t like kale, consider turnip greens or collards as substitutes in different recipes. There are plenty of options for soups, salads, and other side dishes that allow you to keep your carb intake lower while boosting the amount of vitamins and minerals you ingest.

Moderation is Your Friend

The days when people with diabetes had to avoid certain foods are over. It’s fine to include something sweet with your meals once in a great while. The key is moderation.

That means changing the way you think about portions. If you are at a wedding and want to have a piece of the bride’s cake, go for a sliver instead of a full slice. At a holiday dinner, you can have some apple pie. Make it a small sliver and use a non-diary whipped topping instead of ice cream. You still get simple carbs from the pie, but the whipped topping is virtually free of any carbohydrates. Assuming you’ve made the right choices during the main meal, allowing yourself a treat is not likely to cause much of a spike.

Along with these ideas, consider getting help with an expert to come up with specific meal plans. Measure portions and know how many carbohydrates you are taking in at each meal. In the long run, you’ll feel better, get the vitamins and minerals you need, and keep your diabetes under control for more years.

February 10, 2017March 3, 2017

Types Of Diabetes

Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use the insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced in the beta cells of the pancreas. Insulin helps the body to process and store the glucose or sugar found in food, especially carbohydrates. It helps the glucose be absorbed into the cells to produce energy, or it helps the body to store the glucose for future energy needs. Insulin also helps to keep the body glucose levels stable, and it prevents the body from having too little sugar (hypoglycemia) or too much sugar (hyperglycemia).

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes has also been known as insulin-dependent diabetes. It is a condition where the beta cells in the pancreas either do not produce insulin or do not produce enough insulin. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes often require careful monitoring of their blood sugar levels and their diet. They require a special diabetic diet that carefully monitors their carbohydrate intake. These individuals usually require insulin injections.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and has also been referred to as age-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does produce some insulin, but the body either does not produce enough or the cells are resistant to it. A risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes is obesity. It used to be seen more in older adults, however, with the current epidemic of overweight children, it is being seen in younger people. Type 2 diabetes is often able to be controlled with a diabetic diet and exercise. However in severe cases, insulin supplementation may be necessary.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition that is triggered during pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause some resistance to insulin, which can usually occur between mid to late pregnancy. Since the glucose is circulated through the placenta to the baby, controlling the level of sugar and insulin is very important during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually resolves itself after the baby is delivered.

February 3, 2017March 3, 2017

Learning About Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

If you have recently been diagnosed with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, you may be able to completely halt its progression or even reverse the disease so that no medications are needed. Type 2 starts with resistance to insulin produced by your own body, not the lack of it as is the case with Type 1. In the early stages your pancreas may be working overtime in producing more insulin to lower your blood glucose levels because your body is not properly using the insulin being produced. Time is critical as Type 2 diabetics can eventually become Type 1 diabetics where their bodies can no longer produce insulin.

Understanding the Types of Diabetes

There used to be two basic classes of diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where your own immune system kills off the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. It used to only be thought to happen in the young, and therefore was called juvenile onset diabetes. Type 2 was called age onset diabetes as it was normally associated with older people who had become sedentary. However, an overweight three-year-old in Texas was diagnosed as a Type 2 diabetic. The American obesity epidemic is adding to the 1.4 million new diagnoses of diabetes each year with many more with prediabetes remaining undiagnosed.

There are rarer forms of diabetes such as maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) and latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA). MODY has many subtypes, and LADA is like Type 1 where cells that produce insulin are attacked, but it happens later in life. Up to 10 percent of those diagnosed with Type 2 may actually have LADA, which is sometimes referred to as Slim Type 2 or Type 1.5 diabetes. Type 1 requires insulin injections to make up for what is missing. The other types may be treated with oral medications or insulin to lower blood glucose levels to maintain them as near normal as possible for the long term. Some oral diabetes drugs cause your body to produce more insulin while others help your body to more efficiently use the insulin it is still making. If you have been diagnosed with Type 2, you may be able to reverse the disease through drastic lifestyle changes that include changing what you eat and how much you exercise.

Study Shows Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Is Possible

Thirty Type 2 diabetics were put on a very low calorie diet, and 12 of them were able to reach blood glucose targets that were normal without medication. The researchers from Newcastle University, the University of Glasgow, and Lagos University concluded that diabetes of the Type 2 variety “can now be understood to be a metabolic syndrome potentially reversible by substantial weight loss.” Key factors concerning the results indicated that younger people who had their diagnosis for the shortest amount of time achieved better results.

The main symptom of diabetes is elevated levels of glucose in the blood. Glucose is fuel that powers your brain, muscles and other cells. When it remains elevated in your bloodstream over time, damage to your blood vessels and tissues results. Diabetes almost immediately begins to cause blood vessel problems on a microvascular level. Elevated blood glucose also causes damage to nerves spread out all over your body. This can lead to anything from pain and burning in the feet to impotence. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is one of the main side effects of long-term elevated glucose.

Drastic changes in lifestyle, such as altering dietary intake to include fewer calories and refined carbohydrates as well as increasing exercise, are shown to greatly contribute halting the progression of Type 2 or reversing it. Simply put, eating less but better food choices along with moving more can lead to not needing medications to control Type 2. Even if you still require medications to control blood glucose levels, controlling your diet and increasing exercise should permit you to get tighter control of your diabetes to lower your hemoglobin A1c level. This is important as each whole point drop in A1c is shown to reduce microvascular complication risk by 40 percent.

January 27, 2017March 3, 2017

Diabetes Facts, Symptoms and Treatment

In the United States alone, approximately 20,000,000 individuals suffer from diabetes. The latter is typically a lifelong disorder that can be treated but not cured. The condition is characterized by insulin deficiency or the decreased ability of the body to properly use insulin. There are two forms of the disorder: Type I diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, which usually strikes before age 12, and type II diabetes, which is referred to as adult onset diabetes and typically occurs in those over age 45. However, in recent years, the average age of adult onset diabetes appears to be lowering, and adults in their late 20s and 30s are sometimes diagnosed with this disorder. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medication, adhering to a diabetic diet, and in many cases a combination of all three.

Causes

Even though a substantial number of diabetes cases are regarded as idiopathic, meaning the disease cannot be traced to anything specific, there are certain factors that place a person at a higher than average risk for the disorder.

Obesity and Heart Disease

Those who are obese or who suffer from cardiovascular disorders are at a much higher risk of developing adult onset diabetes. However, there does not appear to be any link to dietary or lifestyle habits and juvenile diabetes, the latter of which is simply caused by a malfunctioning pancreas. Medical researchers state that those who are obese can often prevent adult onset diabetes by reaching an appropriate weight and avoiding a high starch, high sugar diet.

Anyone with a history of heart disease should be regularly screened for diabetes. This is because the presence of diabetes in heart patients almost doubles the risk of a stroke or heart attack. It is recommended that heart patients over age 40 have fasting blood sugar tests once every six months.

Genetics

Those who have a family history of the disorder are born with a higher than average risk of developing either type I or type II diabetes. Type II can surface in families where the history was primarily juvenile diabetes, and this also works the other way around.

Vitamin D Deficiency

The most recent discovery concerning diabetes is that low vitamin D levels can significantly increase the risk of developing the disorder. This has caused substantial controversy regarding the excessive use of sunscreen and lifestyles where there is no exposure to natural sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency is now one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the US, and this is a relatively recent phenomenon.

Unfortunately, numerous individuals think using supplements is the solution, but many people do not absorb vitamin D this way and require sunlight to maintain proper levels. Many health experts now recommend at least 20 minutes of exposure to natural sunlight each day. It remains to be seen if researchers will eventually offer practical advice on how to prevent skin cancer without creating a harmful vitamin D deficiency.

Symptoms

Symptoms of both types of diabetes include the following:

Frequent urination and unusual thirst
Slow to heal cuts and scratches
Frequent infections
Extreme fatigue and irritability
Unusual weight loss
Abnormal hunger

Anyone suffering from this disorder should follow the diabetic diet prescribed by his or her doctor. Those experiencing diabetic symptoms should immediately make an appointment with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and to ensure the best possible treatment plan is followed.

January 20, 2017March 3, 2017

Understanding Diabetes Treatments

Treatments for diabetes vary from patient to patient. A healthcare professional will come up with a plan and tailor it to each individual’s need according to diabetes symptoms. This overview of the available treatments will help you understand what to expect.

Blood Sugar Levels

Successful treatment of this ailment requires monitoring of blood sugar levels in order to keep them within a certain range. That way a doctor can determine what combination of diet, medication and exercise is needed to control diabetes. It helps to play close attention to when and what you eat to avoid the up-and-down effect of sudden changes in blood sugar levels. In turn, this helps alleviate frequent treatment changes.

Insulin

Insulin allows the body to convert sugar to energy. Type 1 diabetes patients can’t manufacture their own. When the pancreas ceases to make this hormone, you’ll need to introduce it externally. You can either inject it or use a computerized insulin pump. This programmable machine, also known as a continuous pump, delivers a basal dose of insulin during the day. It can also administer certain amounts of this vital hormone before you eat. This is called a bolus dose.

Injectable insulin comes in five categories: rapid, regular, intermediate, long and ultra long-acting. Their classification depends on how fast the dose takes effect and how long it will last. Rapid-acting insulin takes only a few minutes to work but only lasts 4 hours. Regular insulin takes about half an hour to take effect and lasts up to 6 hours. The remaining types take at least an hour before they become effective and last 18, 24 or 24 hours, respectively.

Nutrition

Usually, healthcare professionals suggest three small meals and an equal amount of snacks per day to help maintain a suitable balance between insulin and sugar in the blood. A proper balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fat will help keep glucose on target. Since this ratio depends on personal factors such as weight and activity level, a licensed dietitian or your doctor should set up a healthy menu plan.

Exercise

While exercise helps improve how a body uses insulin, check with your doctor before starting a workout routine so that you can learn how to prevent blood sugar from dropping too low. Additionally, he can help figure out whether aerobics, strength training or a combination of both work best for a particular situation.

Keep in mind that a treatment plan usually includes several of these options. Additionally, doctors might prescribe medication that contains a DPP-4 inhibitor. Regiments might need modification over time as diabetes symptoms change. Regardless, patients with this condition can lead a fulfilling life.

January 13, 2017March 3, 2017

Exercise and Living With Type 2 Diabetes: What You Can Start Doing Today

Learning that you have type 2 diabetes does not mean you won’t live for many more years. What it does mean is that you have a chronic condition that must be managed with medication, a proper diet, and the right type of exercise. The good news is that you have quite a few options for exercise. Creating a regimen that is designed to keep your glucose levels in a healthy range and promote your general health is in your best interests. Here are some examples of what to include in your daily exercise plan.

The Importance of Strength Training

Certain types of exercise are classed as strength training. The goal is to help your body burn fat more efficiently and help your body to be more sensitive to the decreased amount of insulin your body is producing. In other words, strength training will help you to make better use of whatever amount of insulin your body does still make and slow the progress of your condition.

You have plenty of choices when it comes to strength training. Many of the exercises you learned during those physical education classes at school can be put to good use. Sit-ups are a prime example. You’ll also find that straddle hops (also known as jumping jacks), and push-ups are excellent ways to begin your training and start toning those muscles. All of these exercises also encourage more efficient blood circulation. That is important if you want to remain healthy.

Don’t overlook the benefits of lifting weights. Along with building muscle mass, your body consumes more of the glucose found in your bloodstream. The result is lower levels that are less likely to cause damage as the years pass.

Aerobic Workouts Matter Too

Movement is good for anyone but especially for those living with type 2 diabetes. Aerobic workouts are designed to involve just about every part of the body. They also help tone the muscles and decrease the mount of fat you are carrying around your middle. These are also good for promoting better circulation and carrying essential nutrients to every organ in your body.

Swimming, brisk walking, dancing, hiking, and bicycling are all examples of aerobic exercises you can begin doing today. While you may start out doing only a few minutes at first, your endurance will increase and it won’t be long before you are spending 30 minutes a day enjoying one or more of these workouts.

Keep in mind that if you have been relatively inactive for years, it pays to have a complete physical before starting any exercise regimen. Your goal is to set reasonable expectations for those first few weeks even as you set goals for your long-term fitness. After your physical, consider working with a trainer who can help you develop a specific plan and encourage you to keep with it.

The choice is yours. You can live a sedentary life and increase the odds of complications from your diabetes, or you can work out and enjoy a higher quality of life. Which will it be?

January 6, 2017March 3, 2017

The Fundamentals of the Diabetic Diet

The medical team involved in your diabetes care is likely to often mention your diet. They are not talking about the latest fad for cutting calories or substituting meals with formulated drinks. Your diet is what you eat overall. Some people eat mostly meat and potatoes while others do get plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Others may get most of their calories from processed foods that are heated up in a microwave. Whatever it is that you eat from day to day is your diet. If you have diabetes, then you probably have heard about eating a diabetic diet. Here are some explanations of what that actually means.

Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fat

Everything you eat is eventually turned into glucose for your body to use for energy. Glucose is the energy source for your body that fuels everything from your muscles to your brain. In fact, your brain uses a tremendous amount of glucose for fuel. There are complex chemical processes that go into converting your food into glucose, but carbohydrates are the ones that get processed the easiest. Plus, your food also contains many other nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, beneficial bacteria and more. Proteins and fat can be turned into glucose by your body, and they can also slow the processing of carbohydrates into glucose. This is why pizza is a food that often results in a blood glucose spike. The carbs in the bread and sauce get slowed in processing due to the fat in the cheese and pepperoni, causing a surprise spike in blood glucose levels hours later.

Your diet needs a balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fat. Following a strict low fat diet may not be appropriate, but getting too much fat is not good either. Plus, there are simple and complex carbohydrates. An example of a simple carbohydrate would be the sugar in a regular soda. A complex carbohydrate would be rice. The sugar in the soda will raise your blood glucose levels rapidly while the rice takes longer. Plus, you do not need a degree in nutritional science to know that rice is better for you than sugary drinks whether you need to follow a diabetic diet or not.

Oils are an example of fat. The fat in meat is another fat. Real butter is made from milk fat. Not all fats are equal. An example of a good fat to consume in moderation is olive oil, where the cheap cottonseed and rapeseed oils used in processed foods is not so good. As for proteins, they can be in anything. Animal flesh is high in protein, but so are beans and soy. Plus, you do not need a lot of protein to thrive. The average person needs about 0.36 grams of protein per pound of weight. If you are healthy at 190 pounds, then you should eat 68.4 grams of protein per day. If you have kidney problems, you may be put on a lower protein diet to help ease the burden on your kidneys. A nine ounce steak contains 62 grams of protein. A cup of beans pinto beans contains 41 grams. If you eat a regular diet, you are likely getting more protein than you actually need.

Glycemic Index

Each type of food has a different rate that it is turned into energy. Foods that take longer to digest would be lower on the glycemic index, and foods that can spike your blood glucose faster would be higher. The number 100 would be where glucose itself is at on the index. You want to stick with foods for your regular meals that raise your blood glucose levels more slowly. That bagel for breakfast is around a 72 on the index, but a wheat tortilla used to make a wrap is only around 30. A banana is around 62 while an apple is 39. You might want to eat the banana before your morning jog, but choose an apple with lunch if you are just going to be sitting at your desk after you eat. Knowing where on the glycemic index the foods you eat are at will help you make not only the best choices of what to eat but also when to eat it.

There is a lot more to learn about eating a proper diet to help control your diabetes for the long term. Do not get sidelined by diet fads. Work to get away from eating processed foods that contain refined sugars, and learn to control portion sizes for carbs, proteins and fats. If you need to lose weight, you need to eat fewer calories than your body burns in a day or you need to burn more calories than you eat. You cannot get away from that simple equation when it comes to weight control, and that is a major issue many diabetics face every day.

December 30, 2016March 3, 2017

How to Manage Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the way your body uses blood sugar. Millions of people live with the condition, which is chronic. There are two categories of the disease, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Although there is no cure, it is possible to manage your condition. Here are the best ways to manage your diabetes symptoms.

The key to managing your condition is to keep your blood sugar levels in the recommended range. However, that can be challenging because of a number of factors that might affect your blood sugar. Your food intake and consuming the right diet is one of the chief ways to manage your diabetes. You should limit your carbohydrate intake as carbs can have the largest impact on your blood sugar levels. Portion sizes are also important because they allow you to get the proper dosage of insulin.

Make sure each meal you eat is well balanced. This means you should have a good combination of fruits, vegetables, proteins, fats and starches. Choose healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains and avoid beverage that have sugary sweeteners, especially those that include corn syrup and sucralose.

It is also equally important to coordinate your meals with your medications. For instance, if you consume too little food when you take your regular dosage of insulin, it can lead to low blood sugar. Eating too much, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect and result in sugar levels that are too high. Talk with your doctor about the best ways to coordinate your meals and medications and about how to make a schedule for both that you can stick to.

Exercise is equally as important as your diet when you are managing your symptoms. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous, but regular physical activity can help your body to use insulin better and your muscles can use glucose for energy. Talk with your doctor about devising an exercise plan that works for your age, general health and fitness level.

No matter what your routine and how long per day it’s recommended, always remember to keep well hydrated. Stick to a regular exercise schedule, check your blood sugar levels before, during and after your physical routine and have a small, healthy snack on hand during your activity, especially if you are outdoors and away from home. It may also be necessary to adjust your insulin intake before or during your exercise. Your doctor can give you advice on what to do.

When it comes to your medication, you must always know what to do. Store your insulin properly and replace any that has expired. Talk with your doctor if you notice anything odd regarding your blood sugar levels when you take your medication. You should also be cautious when you are prescribed new medications and ask questions about whether it will affect your diabetes. Occasionally, you may need an alternative that is safer.

These are important steps to follow when you are managing diabetes. Always speak with your doctor if you notice any adverse changes in your health.