How Can You Keep Your Diabetes in Check?

Huynh NguyenDecember 15, 2022

Diabetes has become a serious health problem in the United States. It’s estimated that 29.1 million people currently have diabetes, and this number is expected to increase by approximately 10 percent over the next decade. Diabetes affects all ages, races, and genders equally, but certain groups are more at risk than others. So if you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with diabetes, here’s what you need to know:

Maintain a healthy weight

One of the most important things you can do for your diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese makes it harder to control blood glucose levels, which increases your risk of developing complications from diabetes. It’s also important to note that there are other ways of keeping blood sugar levels in check besides losing weight. You can also use a diabetes tracking app to know your sugar levels. “A connected system to help manage diabetes,” says Tandem Diabetes experts.

Exercise regularly

The next important step is to exercise regularly. Exercise helps keep your blood glucose levels from becoming too high and decreases the risk of complications such as heart disease and stroke.

Exercise also helps you lose weight, which can reduce your need for diabetes medications. Most importantly, though, it improves your overall health—and that’s a benefit for everyone!

Type of exercise: The type of exercise you choose depends on what works best for you. It may be running or swimming, dancing or playing basketball with friends. Aerobic activity (exercises like walking briskly) is especially good because it increases blood flow to cells throughout the body and stimulates insulin production in the pancreas—two things that help control blood sugar levels.

Drink plenty of water

The first step to keeping your diabetes in check is to ensure you are drinking enough water. The American Diabetes Association recommends that adults consume at least eight glasses of water a day, but this number can vary based on age and activity level. If you are feeling thirsty, drink some more! Drinking something before the sensation of thirst arises because dehydration can cause blood glucose levels to rise.

Monitor your blood sugar

It’s important to keep track of your blood sugar. This can be done with the help of a blood glucose meter and test strips or by using a continuous glucose monitor and transmitter. Either way, you’ll need to check your levels regularly—at least every four hours—so that you can intervene if they’re too high or too low. If you’re unsure about how often to check, ask your doctor for advice on the best schedule for your needs.

Keep your blood pressure in check

You can also keep your blood pressure in check by keeping tabs on it. If you have diabetes, it’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly. You should also ensure that you exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. For example, if you need medication for high blood pressure or any other health issue related to diabetes, make sure that you are taking it as prescribed by a doctor.

Protect your skin from the sun

Protecting your skin from the sun can help lower blood sugar levels. When you’re outside, wear sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 and protective clothing. Avoid peak sun hours (10 am to 2 pm), and wear sunglasses and hats or visors to protect your face, arms, neck and ears. Be sure to use sunscreen on all exposed body areas—even when it’s cloudy outside!