10 Simple Strategies for Blood Sugar Control

After obtaining a diabetes diagnosis, learning how to manage the condition and where to start can be stressful. Most people are aware that if they don't control their diabetes, they risk experiencing complications that might require them to amputate a foot or limb, miss work, spend time in the hospital, develop a heart, eye, or kidney issue, or even lose their vision.

The good news is that managing your diabetes can be done more quickly than before, thanks to modern drugs and insulin. Simple and precise glucose metres, continuous glucose monitors, and additional devices like insulin pumps are all available.

Strategies for Blood Sugar Control

1. See Your Doctor

If you are brand-new to the disease, inquire with your doctor about the type of diabetes you have been given a diagnosis for and the recommended treatment. When you have an appointment, take off your shoes and socks to allow your doctor to check your feet and find potential infection sites as soon as possible.

Be bold and inquire about your A1C score and how it compares to the last time you visited. If you're having difficulties managing your blood sugar, you should also inquire whether a referral to an endocrinologist is suitable. Lastly, show up on time for your doctor's follow-up appointments.

2. Stay well

The American Diabetes Association recommends influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations for people with diabetes older than two. Check your blood sugar more frequently if you get sick, and take your medication and insulin as directed. If you cannot eat, try clear liquids like broth, ginger ale, Sprite, or popsicles. If none of those work, try Jell-O or popsicles.

All of these should be ordinary sugar-containing beverages or snacks rather than diet varieties so that you can still carry calories and carbs. Blood sugar levels can occasionally rise over average as a result of diseases.

Call your doctor if you have two blood sugar readings of more than 250 mg/dL or cannot swallow meals.

3. Get Educated

To understand how to manage your diabetes, consult a certified diabetes educator. They are professionals with expertise in diabetes who can help with daily matters like −

• Keeping an eye on your sugar levels

• Eating options

• Diabetes treatment tips during days off from work

• Diabetes self-care in additional areas

In light of your insurance policy, you could require a doctor's referral.

4. Manage Costs

If you want to know whether your insurance will pay for diabetes supplies and medications, call the 800 number on the back of your insurance card. Depending on your insurance, you might have to use a particular distributor or brand of diabetes supplies. Choosing a cost-effective product and paying cash can help you save if your deductible is large. Diabetes will be challenging to manage if you cannot afford the necessary supplies to help with resources.

5. Try New Technology

Discover the newest insulin pumps, blood glucose metres, continuous glucose monitors, smartphone applications, and other technology to manage your diabetes. Even your blood sugar levels can be sent to a smartwatch or smartphone for monitoring and trend tracking with some devices. Diabetes management software can also assist you in monitoring your blood sugar accurately and identifying trends.

6. Seek Support

Ask your friends, family, and coworkers for Support. Do not conceal your diabetes. Friends and family can support you in several ways, including listening, choosing places with healthy alternatives when you dine together, offering resources, and more. You can also join a local or online support group for people with diabetes, and when you need assistance or a sympathetic ear, turn to them.

7. Eat Smart

Spend time reading labels at the grocery store and plan meals incorporating fruits and vegetables. Including your favourite foods into your meal plan using the carbohydrate counting method of meal preparation is simple. You should pay attention while reading food labels, to the Total Carbohydrate line and make an effort to choose high-fibre goods.

8. Be Mindful

Diabetes management includes stress management as a critical component. Stress can cause your blood sugar levels to increase, even if you are following your diet plan, taking your medication as directed, and exercising. Find a therapist, sign up for a yoga class, or learn about mindfulness exercises if necessary. Daily, find a way to relax and unwind.

9. Get Moving

Exercise is crucial for managing diabetes, and studies have shown that even brisk walking for 10 minutes after each meal can lower blood sugar levels. Exercise benefits insulin resistance by increasing insulin sensitivity and forcing glucose into your muscles, which are used for energy. Begin exercising to lower blood sugar levels; you don't need to "burn" or "shred" anything.

10. Measures are Taken After a Blood Sugar Test

As instructed by your doctor, keep a log of your blood sugar levels and check them often. Suppose you have type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes and need insulin to control your blood sugar levels. In that case, it is advised that you check your sugar levels regularly throughout the day.

For type 2 diabetics who do not inject insulin, there are numerous recommendations about blood sugar checking. However, monitoring your blood sugar before and after meals might help you understand how different foods affect it. Test your blood sugar levels before treating anything you think might be low because the symptoms of high and low blood sugar might be the same.

Conclusion

Complex systems make up our bodies. And while it's in everyone's best interest to take care of themselves, it doesn't always happen that way. For instance, one of the most common health issues people face is blood sugar control. For some people, blood sugar control is a total mystery. You can't control your blood sugar if you don't understand the factors that contribute to it! Along with diet and exercise, you can use some of these strategies to help you keep your blood sugar in line. It also doesn't have to be a difficult task if you follow the expert's guidelines.