There are over 440 million diabetes sufferers in the world. Are you one of them?
Perhaps you have newly diagnosed diabetes and are feeling lost and more than a little afraid. Well, you are in the right place. Diabetes is a serious condition, but it is one that can be managed very well.
In this post, we are going to share with you some crucial beginners tips on dealing with your recent diabetes diagnosis so that you are ready to fight it head on and still live the life you want and deserve.
Look to Make Changes Immediately
Yes, diabetes is treatable and manageable. However, this does not mean you do not need to take the diagnosis seriously. If you are a newly diagnosed diabetic, then one of the first things you should be doing is thinking about how where you need to make changes in your lifestyle and how you can best implement them.
Getting your blood sugar under control should be one of the first things you look to accomplish. Not only because it will help you feel better, but because the long term effect of sustained high blood glucose levels can be far-reaching.
You can purchase blood glucose test strips and other diabetes supplies readily online.
Sort Your Medications Out Early
For anybody just diagnosed with diabetes, there will be a period of adjustment, where you start making changes in search of that place where everything just gels together. It's natural, as change does not happen overnight. One thing you should ensure you get sorted out early on, however, is your medication.
While you may not like the thought of relying on medication to control your diabetes, trying to do so with diet and lifestyle changes alone can be a tall task. While being solely reliant on meds is also a bad thing, there is a happy medium that can be sought.
Learn the Importance of Proper Diet
Being diagnosed with diabetes also means you need to take a look at your diet and review where changes can be made. With a condition such as diabetes understanding the importance of a proper diet is vital.
Learning how foods can cause spikes in blood sugars, which foods you are more sensitive to than others, and understanding the truth behind everything in moderation.
Not only does managing your diet allow you to focus on controlling your diabetes but also has the added effect of helping you get healthy and lose a few extra pounds.
Losing Weight Can Help Manage Your Diabetes
We all want to lose those extra few pounds that are still hanging around Christmas, but did you know that losing weight is a great way to help control the effect of diabetes.
If you have newly diagnosed diabetes, then a great way to start to change your lifestyle is to work on losing a little weight. Dropping a few pounds can help your body to better regulate blood sugars as well as helping you feel great.
By making small adjustments to your diet and incorporating some regular exercise, you will start seeing the benefits in no time.
Half an hour a day is all it takes, and that can be anything from walking the dog to hitting the weights in the gym. Whatever you feel most comfortable with. Start there and before you know it these positive habits have become an accepted part of your routine.
Monitor Glucose Levels to Understand the Pattern
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is vital to understanding how to adjust to being a new diabetic. One of the best ways to start this is to monitor your glucose levels at various times of the day, as well as before and after different meals, or activities.
By tracking the results, you will pretty soon be able to identify the patterns and learn how your body reacts to different things.
Knowledge is power, and when it comes to managing your health, this is one of the diabetes tips that can be the most insightful. Knowing how your body will react allows you to make allowances at certain times for treats or certain things, but making adjustments leading up and directly after.
Schedule Regular Checkups
Much like any other ailment, it is important to schedule regular check-ups with your doctor. Diabetes is a condition that can have an impact on several other areas including blood pressure, heart conditions, and eyesight and stomach problems.
While with proper management these can all be controlled, it is vital that you get a regular checkup. Knowing your numbers is important to be able to see the signs of decline and make adjustments on time rather than risk a trip to the hospital.
Scheduling a regular annual check-up, or even better, a six-monthly check is a great way to not only monitor your health but also to make sure you do not forget.
Every Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Patient Can Adjust
Being told you have a medical condition is never fun to hear. Knowing that your life is going to be changed forever can be a lot to take on board. However, newly diagnosed diabetes patients can take heart from the fact that being diabetic in the modern world is a manageable condition.
Yes, it will take hard work, and there will be a period of adjustment, but it is important to know that you will be able to thrive in spite of your diagnosis.
The more you can educate yourself, and the sooner you start to take action the better your long term prognosis will be.
Check out some of our other posts for more information and tips on everything related to your health, so that you can be prepared for any emergency.
