Blog Post

3 Smart Measures to Take When Living With Diabetes (Other Than Watching Your Diet)

  • By Admin
  • 13 Dec, 2017
If you live with diabetes, you are probably aware of the right dietary choices to make, such as counting carbohydrates and calories and controlling your sugar intake. However, there are other things you can do to help manage your condition and avoid complications. Here are three non-dietary measures every person with diabetes should take.

1. Think Zen Thoughts and Eliminate Stress in Your Life

Diabetics are especially vulnerable to the negative aspects of stress. When you get bogged down or overwhelmed by emotional stress, your body is more likely to produce higher levels of blood sugar. When blood sugar rises to an unacceptable level, diabetics can experience serious complications.
Therefore, as a diabetic it's imperative to keep your stress in check. Relaxation is key to keeping your diabetes under control. You can eliminate stress by practicing various techniques that may help you stay calm and relaxed. Try the following methods.
Meditate on a Regular Basis
According to studies, mediation can help keep stress under control. All it takes is a short period of time each day to sit down and focus. Choose a quiet spot with no distractions. Just slow your breathing and concentrate on a peaceful and calming scene.
To further enhance the experience, say a mantra out loud, which may be a word or phrase you repeat several times. This form of meditation is referred to as transcendental meditation. To learn more about how it may help you, join a group or organization that teaches this art.
Find a Creative Outlet
Whether you choose writing, drawing, or playing a musical instrument, participating in a creative activity can lower your stress significantly. Find something you are good at, and seek ways to develop your creativity. You may find that your stress decreases dramatically.
Buy a Stress-Reducing Noise Machine
Listening to the soothing sounds of a babbling brook or white noise helps you tune out distracting noises in your environment, which can be an effective stress-reliever. You can buy an inexpensive machine that plays these sounds, sometimes referred to as a sound spa machine. These portable devices emulate soothing sounds that may also promote a better quality of sleep.

2. Exercise Regularly

Routine exercise can help you manage your weight, an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle for people with diabetes. With your doctor's approval, begin an exercise regimen. If you have been living a sedentary lifestyle, start off slowly. Take a brisk 20-minute walk a few times per week.
Once you become accustomed to routine physical activity, try swimming or cycling. Aerobic classes may be of benefit to you as well, as it may improve your insulin sensitivity. Another benefit of physical exercise is that it helps keep blood pressure under control. This is very important for individuals with diabetes.

3. Take Care of Your Feet

Proper foot care is essential for people with diabetes. Diabetics are prone to circulatory issues, and this may lead to a foot infection if you do not take care of your feet. As a diabetic, you should examine your feet regularly and look for signs of a potential problems, such as sores, blisters, and bruises. Have your doctor examine your feet during a visit as well.
You should also keep your feet clean and dry at all times, and do not go barefooted. Avoid bathing or soaking your feet in excessively hot water; opt for lukewarm water instead. Also avoid harsh soaps, and dry your feet after a bath or shower by patting them gently.
If your feet tend to become dry, moisturize the tops of your feet and the soles with a lotion. However, do not apply lotions between your toes. Another self-care tip is to soften your toenails before trimming them. A good time to trim them is after a bath or shower.
While the measures mentioned above can help in your diabetes self-care program, you should remember one important thing. See your doctor regularly for a physical checkup and to track your numbers. He or she can also recommend lifestyle changes and ways to better manage your condition
.
By Admin 01 Feb, 2018
Most people only think about going to the doctor when they are sick or injured. Going to the doctor when they are healthy is just not something they consider to be necessary or important. However, when you are a parent, you want to be sure that you are doing everything in your power to help your child grow and thrive.

Get to know some of the important facts about well-child exams as well as why these exams are so necessary. Then, you can be certain you are doing what is best for your child's well-being.
By Admin 14 Dec, 2017
When you have been struggling with an opioid addiction for years, you may find it difficult to think that any form of treatment or therapy can help you overcome your opiate abuse issues. However, there are many different treatment and therapy options designed to all work together to give you a comprehensive treatment program for your opioid addiction.
If you are ready to finally overcome your addiction to opioid drugs, you need to know the various therapy options that can help you do so. Once you better know the different therapies you can utilize in your treatment program, you can be sure that you get the best treatment in your addiction recovery.
By Admin 31 Jul, 2017
It is difficult to watch your loved one struggle with opioid dependence, yet there are many things that you can do to show your support once they have made the decision to end their addiction. Naturally, recovering from opioid dependency will change your family dynamics, and you can increase their chances of success with these tips.
By Admin 21 May, 2017
Deciding that you wish to quit using drugs is one of the biggest and healthiest decisions that you'll ever make. Upon setting your mind to this goal, your next priority is to find a treatment program that is right for you.
While there are numerous factors that can influence this choice, one decision that you'll need to make is whether to seek treatment through a facility that provides inpatient care or one that offers regular appointments in an office setting. There are reasons to make either choice, but you may find that the office setting provides you with more advantages, including the following.
By Admin 20 Mar, 2017
When you have diabetes, it can seem like you're fighting an uphill battle alone and you may find dealing with your disease to be overwhelming. But you aren't alone. There are others living with diabetes who are faced with the same questions. Here are some useful tips to help you with managing your diabetes.
By Admin 23 Jan, 2017
You want to take good care of yourself but sometimes it is hard to know what to do. Medical lab testing  can offer information about your health which you didn't know before. Here are three things medical tests might help you understand.
By Admin 27 Nov, 2016
When your child is healthy and seems to be developing normally, it may be tempting to skip well-child checkups with your pediatrician. However, even if your child isn't sick, there are a number of reasons these visits are important.
By Admin 13 Jul, 2016
If you have not yet heard of metabolic syndrome, you might be surprised to hear that it is a serious health condition that has been on the rise in recent years. Without treatment, metabolic syndrome can lead to heart disease and associated illnesses like stroke and heart attack.

Are you afraid that you might be at risk for metabolic syndrome? Do you think you might be facing heart disease in the future? This guide will help you figure out what steps you can take to prevent and treat metabolic syndrome.
By Admin 13 Jul, 2016
Before your child can participate in a sport, most schools require them to get a sports physical. Whether it is offered by the school or must be performed by your own doctor, getting your child a sports physical before allowing them to participate can help ensure their safety in several ways.
Share by: