Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects your body’s ability to produce or use insulin, the hormone that allows it to turn food into energy. Diabetes can lead to a number of health complications, including kidney damage, nerve damage, and an increased risk of stroke and heart disease. Diabetes is a serious disease that can be life-threatening, but with proper medications and healthy lifestyle choices, it can often be managed. If you have diabetes, it’s important to work closely with a doctor to help keep your diabetes under control. Although every individual’s diabetes management plan will be customized to their particular needs, most will involve some combination of the following steps.
- Learn as much as you can about diabetes in general
There are three different types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. The more you know about the type you have, the better equipped you’ll be to manage the disease. Your doctor is a great resource and partner in health, but you can also join a diabetes support group or take classes to learn more. If you engage your family members or other members of your support network in your diabetes education, you may find that they are willing to talk about food together, cook together, and make healthy choices as a family—and everyone’s health may improve as a result!
- Adhere to a healthy diet and exercise routine
Your doctor and other members of your healthcare team will help you understand what foods to eat and how often to exercise in order to help keep your blood sugar levels under control. If you are not accustomed to eating a variety of foods from all food groups or exercising regularly, it may take some adjustment, but making the effort will go a long way toward helping you manage your diabetes.
- Get familiar with your personal blood sugar target numbers
People with diabetes have to keep an eye on their blood sugar (blood glucose) levels to prevent health complications. It’s important to know what your blood sugar levels are and what makes them rise and fall so you can do your part in maintaining your health. Most people perform blood sugar checks at home daily (sometimes several times per day) to monitor their levels in the moment. They’ll also take the A1C test, which is performed by a lab. The A1C tells the average blood glucose levels for the past two to three months. Each individual has blood sugar target numbers, or a healthy range to stay within. These numbers are determined by their healthcare provider. Following your diabetes meal and exercise plans will go a long way toward keeping your blood sugar levels within the target range.
- Take your medications as directed by your doctor
Diabetes is a chronic condition. It does not go away on its own, and there is no cure. Often, medications can help manage it, but only if you take them. While some people are tempted to stop taking their medications once they start to feel better or get their blood sugar under control, it’s important to continue taking them. One study concluded that people who take their medications as prescribed and exercise four days a week were at a lower risk of poorly controlled blood sugar.
- Have a clear action plan
Knowing what to do when your blood glucose level is out of the target range is a crucial part of managing diabetes. Talk to your doctor about specifics, but in general:
- When your blood sugar level is higher than your target number, drinking water and exercising may be able to help lower it.
- When your blood sugar level is too low, you may need to eat or drink a small amount of something that can help raise it (fruit juice, glucose tablets, soda, or hard candy), then waiting 15 minutes before checking your blood level again.
Your doctor will be able to give you more specific information about actions to take.
- Participate in a diabetes research study
When you participate in a clinical research study, you can gain access to cutting edge treatments not yet available to the general public. You also receive quality care from medical experts who understand your condition and are committed to finding effective treatments for people just like you. Additionally, you get the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing your part to help advance diabetes research.
Diabetes clinical trial at Synergy Research Centers
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be eligible to participate in our diabetes clinical trial and be compensated for your time and travel expenses. For more information, or to find out if you’re eligible, give us a call at 888-539-0282 or fill out our contact form today.