4 Lifestyle Changes To Help You Avoid Diabetes Complications
Although diabetes can result in other health problems, there are many ways you can prevent or delay these complications. Some common diabetes complications include heart disease, nerve damage, chronic kidney disease, oral health, and other problems with mental health. They can occur if one or more parts of your body become damaged due to diabetes. However, as long as you have the education needed to get your diabetes under control, you will be able to prevent or minimise the effects of these health complications. Below we will show you how you can change your lifestyle so that you stay healthy and avoid unwanted problems.
Lose Extra Weight
If you are overweight, losing extra weight can improve your body’s ability to use insulin. It will also improve your blood pressure and blood fats, as well as lower your blood sugar. Moreover, weight loss can translate into even more amazing benefits, such as increased energy. It’s important to start by developing a weight-loss goal based on your current body weight. You may want to speak to your doctor when setting short-term goals and expectations. This will help you get started on a plan that is specifically designed for you. In general, you should aim to burn more calories than you eat and cut excess fat and sugar.
Measure Your Blood Glucose
When it comes to living with diabetes, measuring blood glucose is not only necessary but also crucial to staying healthy. If the levels of glucose in your blood are too high or too low, this can result in serious health complications for the eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, heart, and nervous system. Air Liquide Healthcare UK offers detailed guidance on the importance of measuring blood glucose. You will get a better understanding of blood glucose variations in people living with diabetes. In addition, you will learn how to measure your blood glucose and maintain stable blood glucose levels for optimum health.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting too much or too little sleep might increase your appetite, as well as your cravings for high-fat and high-carb foods. This may result in weight gain, which is known to increase the risk of developing serious health complications like heart disease. Therefore, it’s crucial to aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night to get the best night’s sleep possible. Generally, people with diabetes who regularly get enough sleep are likely to stick to healthier habits, which leads to improved blood sugar levels.
Stay Active
Regular physical activity offers a variety of benefits, as it can help you lose weight, lower your blood sugar, and boost your sensitivity to insulin, ensuring that your blood sugar stays within a normal range. It will also reduce stress and help to control blood pressure and cholesterol. In general, it is recommended to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercises, such as walking, dancing, swimming, tennis, or low-impact aerobics. If you aren’t active at the moment, it’s best to start small by breaking up the recommended 30 minutes and setting realistic goals. Remember to incorporate resistance training to increase your strength and improve your balance.