When your doctor diagnoses you with diabetes, it is a life-changing event that could be devastating and distressing. However, it does not mean you cannot enjoy a healthy and happy life. Primary Medical Physicians, LLC offers comprehensive care to help you manage diabetes and keep your blood sugar levels in control.
Managing your diabetes may include adopting lifestyle habits like healthy eating, regular exercise, and monitoring your glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes may need insulin in the form of injections and a pump. Read the following discussion to learn about the different treatments your doctor can recommend.
Insulin
Your doctor may recommend insulin if you have type 1 diabetes to help manage your blood sugar levels. Also, insulin can help you if you have type 2 or gestational diabetes. Your doctor can recommend regular insulin, long-acting, and rapid-acting insulin options depending on your needs during the day and night. You cannot take insulin orally to lower your blood sugar levels as your stomach enzymes will interfere with its actions.
Therefore, you will need it as an injection using a fine needle and a syringe. Your doctor may also recommend an insulin pump, a device that you wear outside your body with a tune that your doctor inserts under your abdomen skin. The pump has a monitor that can measure your blood sugar regularly as the pump delivers amounts of insulin as programmed.
Healthy Dieting
Part of managing your diabetes may include practicing healthy eating to help keep your blood sugar levels in control. Your doctor may recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Such foods are nutritious, rich in fiber, and low in calories and fat. Your doctor may also recommend cutting down on sweets, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. You can also ask for help from your dietitian to help you create a fitting meal plan that meets your health goals while taking care of your food preferences.
Physical Activity
Exercise is good for you and may even be better if you have diabetes. Regular physical activity will help lower your blood sugar levels by using sugar as energy for your cells. Also, physical activity can help your body become more sensitive to insulin, so it will need less insulin to transport sugar to your body cells. You can talk to your doctor about the appropriate exercises you can engage in, including swimming, walking, and cycling.
You may have to aim for at least half an hour daily into moderate physical activities. If you have been physically inactive for a while, your doctor may recommend beginning slowly and building up as you continue. Physical activity may also be beneficial in helping you lose weight which may reduce the effects of Type 2 diabetes, which is mostly associated with being overweight.
Diabetes develops when you have high blood sugar levels and usually can affect anyone, despite age. However, the reasons for your high blood sugar levels may differ depending on the type of diabetes you have. While most forms of diabetes may be chronic, you may manage them with medications and lifestyle changes. Depending on your type, treatment will include monitoring sugar levels and using insulin shots and other medications. You may also need lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, regular physical activity, and lowering the excess weight to help you manage your symptoms.
