Wednesday 17 December 2014

10 Things To Do When You Find Out You Have Diabetes

diabetes advice
Now that you have been diagnosed with diabetes you need to take special care of your health. Your consultant physician, family and friends are after you to make lifestyle changes , such as choosing more healthier foods and becoming more physically active. They may also insist you to monitor your blood glucose (blood sugar)  by regularly checking your glucose levels. Even your health care provider might advise to get more tests and checks during the year and doing certain things, like flossing and brushing your teeth more often. You may think, how to fit these added 'to dos' in your daily routine. It is advisable to approach making changes one step at a time. Over time you can successfully achieve a healthy and active lifestyle and manage your diabetes care. Here are 10 things that you must do when you find out you have diabetes.

Inspect your health plan -  Treatment of diabetes can be expensive, so make sure you to find the best possible and affordable health plan that will cover your diabetes related medications and supplies like glucose meters and test strips.

Consider medications to lower blood sugar and more – Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease which means your ability to make and use the insulin your body produces will decrease over time due to changes in your body. For this, the amount of medication you take for lowering your blood glucose level will increase or new medication will be added. There are at least seven main types of blood glucose lowering pills, a variety of insulins, and a few injectable drugs that help lower blood sugar.

Create your diabetes eating plan  - Get started by simply tracking what you're doing. Write down what, when and how much you eat. Make note of the physical activities you do. Then test your blood glucose to see the impact of these factors on your blood glucose. Your registered dietitian or diabetes educator will help develop plans and guidelines that will work for your lifestyle.

Develop a plan for physical activity – Along with your healthy eating plan, also concentrate on your physical activity. It is the perfect partner to your healthy eating to cure diabetes. You can practice 30 minutes of aerobic activity such as walking on most days, with the addition of resistance training (pushing, pulling, lifting) two or three times a week.

Incorporate activity into your routine – Carry sand bags, groceries, trash, mow the lawn, push a stroller, weed the garden, take a stretch break at work. These are some simple ways to incorporate physical activity in your day-to-day life. Walk with your pet, baby child or grand child. Bike or walk to do neighbourhood errands if you live a reasonable distance away. Climb a couple flights of stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator. Avoid sitting (at a screen, on a couch) for more than 30 minutes at a time.

Connect with others – Initial and ongoing support is crucial when you have diabetes. Connecting with others can recharge and motivate you to take care of yourself. Talking to someone you trust, can ease anxiety about having diabetes.

Shop for diabetes supplies – Here are a list of frequently used tools which you'll require for diabetes. Shop for blood glucose meter, blood glucose test strips, lancing device, lancet, medicine, syringes, sharps container, blood glucose journal, record book.

Pick your primary care provider – These are the qualities that you should look for in your primary care physician – respect individuality, listen and respond to questions and concerns, recommend the best treatment plan possible, review treatment plans regularly, adjust plans as needed, refer patients to other specialists based on health needs.

Consider a diabetes self-management education and support program – Go for a Diabetes self-management education and support program. The program will be a class or a series of classes with other people who also have diabetes.

Create a diabetes care schedule – There are some checks and tests you'll need  - some when you're first diagnosed and some on a recurring basis, to take care of your diabetes. Work with your primary care provider to customize your diabetes care schedule, including personal goals and targets. Schedule these preventive tests and checks in advance, and mark your calendar!

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