7 Steps to Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels with Diabetes

 7 Steps to Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels with Diabetes

The term diabetes refers to many different diseases that all have something in common: high blood sugar (glucose). There are two main types of diabetes, called type 1 and type 2, and they are both manageable with proper diet and exercise. If you live with diabetes, you’re already aware of the importance of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels; but if you’re looking to prevent or manage the disease, this article offers some valuable insights into how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels with diabetes.

1) Know your blood sugar target range

Your target blood sugar range is the threshold at which your diabetes symptoms are minimized and complications are reduced. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) defines a normal blood sugar range as 80-120 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL one hour after eating. This is a general guideline, so be sure to talk to your doctor about what's best for you. Work closely with your doctor to find out how often you need to monitor blood sugar levels and learn when it's appropriate to treat hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Be prepared by stocking up on emergency supplies like glucose tablets or juice, if needed.

2) Test your blood sugar regularly

Knowing your blood sugar level is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Test your blood sugar at least twice a day, before and after meals and before going to bed. If you don't know what your normal levels are, talk to your doctor about the best way for you. There are many different types of meters on the market so you'll need to find one that works for you. Check the expiration date on your meter and replace it when necessary. Keep an eye out for signs of low or high blood sugar such as confusion, shaky hands or extreme thirst or hunger. You can always ask someone nearby to help if needed.

3) Manage your carbohydrate intake

Carbohydrates are a food group that people with diabetes should include in their diet. However, how much carbohydrate you eat and how often you eat it can affect your blood sugar levels. Here are some guidelines for managing your carbohydrate intake:
1. Eat a healthy breakfast every day, including some type of carbohydrate such as cereal, toast or fruit. 2. Make sure at least half the grains you eat are whole grains (brown rice, oats). 3. Limit foods high in added sugars, like sweetened drinks and desserts (soda, ice cream) 4. Don't skip meals because skipping meals may cause you to overeat later on

4) Get regular physical activity

Getting 150 minutes of physical activity a week is recommended for people with diabetes. Exercise can help you feel better and reduce the risk of many health problems, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Don’t skip breakfast: The American Diabetes Association recommends eating three balanced meals a day, including one healthy breakfast. Make sure you include protein or carbohydrate at every meal and snack. Choose healthy foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, beans and lentils instead of foods high in fat or sugar.

5) Take your diabetes medications as prescribed

Taking your diabetes medications will help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It is important that you take your medication as prescribed, and not change the dosage or stop taking it without talking to a medical professional first. Make sure that the medication is in your medicine cabinet so you don’t forget about it.

6) Monitor your blood sugar levels

Monitoring your blood sugar levels is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. By taking control of your diabetes, you will be able to live a full, healthy life. These 7 steps are simple, yet effective ways to maintain a balanced diet and monitor your blood sugar levels.

7) See your healthcare provider regularly

The most important step in maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is to have regular visits with your healthcare provider. Your health care professional will be able to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. You should also know the warning signs of low or high blood sugar, which include feeling tired, dizzy, irritable or confused, shaking and getting upset easily, blurred vision, sweating excessively, nausea or vomiting. Always check your blood sugar before meals (such as breakfast) and before bedtime. You may need to adjust the number of insulin injections you take during the day based on how much food you eat each meal and how active you are during the day.