10 Tips for Managing Diabetes

By: Dustin Reno, NP

Managing diabetes is a lifelong journey, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By making small, consistent changes to your lifestyle, you can maintain good health and prevent complications. Here are some tips to help manage diabetes:

1. Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly

• Check your blood glucose levels as advised by your doctor to understand how your body responds to certain foods, medications, and activities.
• Keep a log of your readings to identify patterns or triggers.

2. Maintain a Balanced Diet

• Be mindful of carbohydrate intake: Carbs have the biggest impact on blood sugar, so choose complex carbs like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables.
• Portion Control: Watch portion sizes to avoid overeating. Consider eating smaller, more frequent meals to maintain blood sugar levels.
• Fiber-Rich Foods: Include plenty of fiber to slow sugar absorption and promote steady glucose levels. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes are great choices.
• Limit Sugary and Processed Foods: Minimize added sugars and processed foods as they can cause blood sugar spikes.

3. Regular Physical Activity

• Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise most days of the week. Some options may be walking, hiking, aerobic classes, or cycling.
• Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, helping your body use glucose more efficiently. Move often throughout your day!
• Check blood sugar levels before and after exercise, especially if you’re on insulin or medications. Eat a carbohydrate snack prior to exercise if blood glucose is <90 mg/dL (<5.0 mmol/L), especially if prescribed insulin or an insulin secretagogue (sulfonylurea or meglitinide).
• Well-fitting footwear is recommended for people with neuropathy or increased plantar pressure. The use of specialized therapeutic footwear is recommended for people with diabetes at high risk for ulceration, including those with loss of protective sensation, foot deformities, callous formation, poor peripheral circulation, or history of amputation.

4. Take Medications as Prescribed

• Stick to your medication schedule, whether it’s insulin or oral diabetes medications.
• Understand how your medications work and what to do if you miss a dose.
• Always carry a source of fast-acting sugar (like glucose tablets) if you’re at risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

5. Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water to help regulate blood sugar levels – try infusing water with fruit or mint to spice it up.
• Avoid sugary drinks, including sweetened coffee, soda, and juices, as they can cause spikes in blood sugar. Naturally flavored soda water is a good option too!

6. Manage Stress

• Stress can raise blood sugar levels. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Easy to follow ‘Mindful Monday’ videos are on the iii-a.org website.
• Find healthy ways to cope with stress, like engaging in hobbies or spending time with loved ones. Practice setting boundaries in your life to reduce unnecessary stressors.

7. Regular Check-ups

• Visit your healthcare provider regularly for check-ups and lab tests, including A1C, cholesterol, and kidney function.
• Keep up with annual eye exams and foot check-ups to prevent complications.
• Be sure to discuss any mental health concerns or feelings of depression with a PCP so that appropriate treatment can be offered. Depression is high in diabetics.

8. Know the Signs of High and Low Blood Sugar

• High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia): Symptoms include frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision, and fatigue. If untreated, it can lead to complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and weakness. Always have a quick source of sugar nearby.

9. Create a Diabetes Management Plan

• Work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized diabetes management plan, covering your medications, diet, exercise, and monitoring.
• Blood pressure control, lipid management (statin therapy), smoking cessation, and glycemic management, reduce the risk of macrovascular complications such as heart attack and stroke. Glycemic control and blood pressure management reduce the risk of microvascular complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy.
• Have an emergency plan in case of severe hypoglycemia or other diabetes-related emergencies.
• Women’s Health: All women of childbearing age with diabetes should be counseled about the importance of strict glycemic control prior to conception and offered advice on nutrition as well as general diabetes education. They should also be advised of the risks that uncontrolled diabetes can pose to themselves and the pregnancy.

10. Get Support

• Join diabetes support groups or connect with others managing diabetes to share tips, recipes, and experiences. Health coaching via III-A or working with a Diabetes Educator is another great support tool!
• Educate your family and friends about diabetes to create a supportive environment.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can effectively manage your diabetes and reduce the risk of complications. Always stay in close communication with your healthcare team, and never hesitate to reach out to III-A Telehealth or III-A Benefits team for support.

III-A 24/7 Medical Telehealth:

· Dustin Reno, NP: 208-203-0783

· Velma Seabolt, NP: 208-271-4460

III-A Diabetes Benefits: call 208-244-7000 for any benefit-related questions

• Diabetes Self-Management Education Services – unlimited visits
• Registered Dietitian dietary counseling visits – unlimited visits
• Diabetes screening – no cost
• Health Coaching – email [email protected]
• Diabetes Prevention Program – see if you qualify: https://www.gosolera.com/iii-a