10 Essential Steps to Control Your Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. It has become an increasingly common disease among individuals of all ages, from young children to the elderly. According to the CDC, over 38 million Americans have diabetes, and 97.6 million Americans are prediabetic. This rise in prevalence urges the need to address and prevent the issue. As it is a chronic condition, leaving it untreated can cause other health problems, such as eye issues, heart disease, nerve damage, etc.

This blog discusses the importance of managing diabetes and the steps that can be taken to prevent and control the disease so that you can keep your health and well-being in the optimal state.

What Are the Types of Diabetes?

• Prediabetes: Blood glucose levels are elevated but not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
• Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease in which your immune system mistakenly targets and eliminates the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Insufficient insulin production or your body improperly responds to insulin (insulin resistance).
• Gestational Diabetes: It occurs during pregnancy and resolves itself after childbirth.

Other forms of diabetes include:

• Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY): Also known as monogenic diabetes, it results from an inherited genetic mutation that affects insulin production and utilization.
• Type 3c Diabetes: Occurs when your pancreas sustains damage that impairs its ability to produce insulin. Conditions such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, pancreatectomy, pancreatic cancer, and hemochromatosis can cause pancreas damage.
• Neonatal Diabetes: It is a type of monogenic diabetes that develops within the first six months of life.
• Brittle Diabetes: A variant of Type 1 diabetes characterized by frequent and severe episodes of high and low blood sugar levels, necessitating hospitalization.
• Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA): Caused by an autoimmune reaction that affects individuals over 30.

What Causes Diabetes?

The following factors or conditions can lead to increased blood glucose levels:

• Hormonal Imbalances (during pregnancy or from hormone-related conditions like Cushing syndrome and acromegaly)
• Insulin resistance (Your body’s improper response to insulin, which can result from lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, obesity, hormonal imbalances, and genetics)
• Genetic mutations
• Pancreatic damage (from surgery or injury)
• Autoimmune diseases
• Prolonged use of corticosteroids and HIV Medications

Steps to Control Your Diabetes

Though diabetes is a chronic condition, you can keep it under control and live a healthy life with the correct approach. Here are some steps to maintain your diabetes at a manageable level:

1. Eat Healthy:

   Your diabetes diet regimen must include vegetables, fruits, bread and cereals, whole grains, low-fat or skim milk, and cheese. Avoid foods rich in trans fat, calories, salt, saturated fat, and sugar.

2. Exercise Regularly:

   Daily exercises help improve your heart health and decrease blood sugar levels. Start with simple, low-intensity exercises like walking, swimming, cycling, jogging, yoga, push-ups, stretching, etc.

3. Maintain Healthy Weight:

   Obesity or being overweight can cause insulin resistance, increasing blood sugar levels. Losing extra pounds can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight.

4. Adhere to Medications:

   Take your insulin or diabetes medications on time and as prescribed. Sometimes, your provider may prescribe weight loss medications to promote weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity, helping control and manage diabetes.

5. Monitor Your Blood Sugar:

   Regularly monitor your blood glucose levels to know how well your medicines and lifestyle changes are working to control your diabetes. Also, it allows for better management and adjustment of treatment regimens as needed.

6. Manage Your Stress:

   Managing stress through mindfulness, relaxation techniques, yoga, and meditation can help reduce the negative impact of stress hormones on your blood sugar levels.

7. Regular Medical Check-Ups:

   Regular medical check-ups with your healthcare provider can help identify potential problems or risk factors that can cause diabetes. This helps to prevent the condition while helping to make necessary treatment adjustments.

8. Get Good Sleep:

   Poor sleep can cause insulin sensitivity, increasing your blood sugar levels. So, aim for 7-9 hours of peaceful sleep daily.

9. Stay Hydrated:

   Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Set a goal to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

10. Limit Alcohol Consumption:

    When you consume too much alcohol, your liver will be busy processing it, so it may not release the stored glucose, causing low blood sugar levels. So, limit your alcohol consumption.

Get Your Diabetes Checked and Managed by Family Medicine in Duluth, GA

If you or your loved one is struggling with diabetes, look no further than Modern Family Medicine for top-notch treatment and care. Our physician, Dr. Priya Arcot-Joshi, is a renowned specialist in diabetes treatment who is known for her innovative approach to managing and controlling the condition. From personalized treatment plans to ongoing support, we offer everything you need to manage your condition, keeping you healthy and happy. Contact us today if you want high-quality diabetes treatment in Duluth, GA.

Also Read: Understanding Thrombocytopenia: A Comprehensive Guide

Source: NIH