Do you feel as though your diabetes runs your life? Are you overwhelmed with all of the things you need to do to manage your diabetes?
We get it. Having diabetes can feel like a full-time job. At A&U Family Medicine in Sugar Land, Texas, our experienced physician, Dr. Hammad Zaidi, recognizes that diabetes affects many facets of life, making it feel impossible to manage at times.
While it may seem complicated and overwhelming, diabetes doesn’t have to drag you down. Making a few changes can go a long way for improving your diabetes and your health.
November is National Diabetes Month, and the theme this year is taking charge of your health to prevent diabetes health problems. To help you feel more in control of your diabetes and life, here are our top three diabetes management tips.
Diabetes affects your body’s ability to properly use sugar (glucose) from food for energy due to problems with insulin. Instead of moving into the cells to supply energy, the sugar stays in the bloodstream because your body can’t make insulin (type 1 diabetes) or can’t properly use or make enough insulin (type 2 diabetes).
Too much sugar in the blood damages the blood vessels and organs, leading to diabetes-related health problems like heart and kidney disease.
Diabetes medication is one of the tools we use to help keep blood sugar under control. Oral medications for type 2 diabetes help the body make more insulin or make the body more responsive to insulin. People with type 1 diabetes who don’t make any insulin must take insulin injections daily to manage blood sugar. We may also prescribe insulin injections for people with type 2 diabetes who don’t make enough insulin.
Taking your diabetes medication as prescribed is one of the simplest things you can do to manage your diabetes. If you’re having a hard time taking the medication or if they’re causing unwanted side effects, it’s time to schedule an appointment so Dr. Zaidi can make adjustments.
People with diabetes are more likely to have other health issues, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Taking medications to manage these health issues also supports your overall health and reduces your risk of diabetes health complications.
Diet, exercise, and stress affect your blood sugar levels, which is why lifestyle changes are a major part of diabetes management. However, we know that making changes to how you eat and live your life is hard.
Instead of overhauling your entire routine, start with one simple change. For example, commit to eating your meals and snacks at the same time every day. Or find ways to add more activity into your day, like using a standing desk, parking at the far end of the lot, or doing lunges and squats while watching TV.
Getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep is another healthy habit that benefits diabetes management. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. And keep electronics out of the bedroom so the light doesn’t disrupt your body’s natural sleep cycle.
At-home blood sugar tracking helps you see how well you’re doing at managing your diabetes with medication and lifestyle changes. It also lets you see how certain foods or activities affect your blood sugar.
We can talk to you about personal blood glucose monitors, how to use them, and when you should check your numbers. We also provide target blood sugar ranges before and after meals based on your age, diabetes management plan, and overall health.
Many of the newer at-home glucose meters use apps to track blood glucose reading, making it easier for you to see patterns. You can also send your results to us in between appointments so we can monitor your plan and make adjustments right away.
Diabetes doesn’t have to drag you down. Using these simple tips can help you gain control over your diabetes and your health.
If you’re struggling to manage your diabetes, call our office today at 281-895-7703 or send a message online to schedule an appointment. We can create a diabetes management plan that fits you and your life.
