Living Well with Diabetes:
It takes time to become really good at managing diabetes. But over
time, you'll learn how to move from completing it to enjoying it. Check to see
if any of these suggestions are familiar (or worthwhile!).
Do you remember the first time you learned you had diabetes and
how to take care of yourself?
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Make healthy food and eat it.
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Do something every day.
·
Regularly check your blood sugar.
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Even if you are feeling well, take your
medications as directed.
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Learn how to deal with stress.
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Learn to deal with diabetes's emotional side.
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Attend check-ups.
You've had to try to fit it all in with family, work, school,
holidays, and everything else in your life in one way or another. You probably
already know many of these, but you may not be familiar with others. Feel free
to use them!
Make time to cook. Eat well. Sitting in the drive-thru will not
save you any time. Look online for recipes that are affordable and simple to
make. Many are so delicious that you'll want to eat them straight from the pan.
Take pictures or write down every meal and snack you eat. This one
trick helps you stay in control and makes you much more aware of everything you
eat.
Vegetables are a no-brainer. Learn how to make them taste
delicious by taking a free online cooking class.
Consume no "diabetic" foods. They are usually more
expensive than "regular" food, and they also don't taste very good.
Make the same meals for your family and yourself. Everyone can
enjoy a healthy diet!
Give Meatless Monday a shot (or any other Monday). Lentils and
beans are inexpensive, delicious, and extremely nutritious.
Add a twist to family favorites: Vegetables can be used in place
of some rice or pasta, or you can blend them until smooth and add them to
sauces.
Find out more about eating well.
One of the best ways to manage diabetes is still to exercise, and
it's free!
Work up a sweat on a regular basis, but also find small ways to
get active throughout the day, like walking and climbing stairs.
Get in shape with a friend. You won't want to disappoint them, so
you're more likely to stick with it.
Try using an activity tracker, some of which are free. Observing
how your steps add up is very motivating.
Examine all of the workout videos available online. Every fitness
level is catered to, and there is something for everyone.
A few clicks away are menu ideas, cooking videos, and thousands of
recipes for a healthy chicken and vegetable salad.
Manage Stress Relax and slow down with yoga or meditation. To get
started, select one of the thousands of free videos available online.
Move now! You can unwind by going for a walk, and the benefits can
last for hours.
Make plans to meet up with a friend who understands you by calling
or in person.
Find out more about mental health and diabetes. Start small for
new habits by doing things that you can keep doing. Small victories make it
easier to take on larger objectives.
Make specific goals. "Walk after dinner every day." Facilitate
good choices. Limit your healthy breakfast choices to one or two, pack your own
lunch rather than purchasing one, and leave the dog's leash by the door.
Keep Learning Self-Management Education and Support Services for
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Services for Diabetes
Self-Management Services for Diabetes Self-Management Services for Diabetes
Self-Management during your doctor's visits.
when a new occurrence or health issue alters your self-care
practices.
when your diabetes care is impacted by any other significant life
event, such as moving or changing jobs.
Ask your doctor for a diabetes educator's recommendation, or look
in the national directory of the American Association of Diabetes Educators for
a list of educators in your area.
Look at the big picture: What do you value most? Being healthy for
your family and yourself Doing well? Are you energized? You get more of what
really matters to you when you take care of yourself. Instead of focusing
solely on diabetes, let's make diabetes a part of life!
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