Tips For Living With-And Caring For-Diabetes

The following content is a guest post from a contributor of PublicHealthLibrary.org, which is a project site of a group of pre-med students. Please consult your doctor before starting any new diet, exercise, or medication regimen. 

Living with diabetes is not easy; from staying on a strict diet and exercise regimen to taking expensive and sometimes painful medication, controlling and monitoring diabetes takes a toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. Then there are the side effects, which can cause issues in just about every part of the body and can lead to pain, discomfort, and even surgery.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to care for yourself – or a loved one – when diabetes is a factor. Learning how to take care of your mind, body, and soul can be a big help when living with this disease. Here are a few tips on how to do it.

Photo via Pixabay by Myriams-Fotos

Manage your health

While it’s wonderful to have a support system around you – your doctor, friends, and family members – ultimately it’s up to you to make sure your health is in good shape. Maintaining a good diet filled with whole grains, protein, and veggies is a good start, but it’s also imperative to exercise every single day. Get in a good brisk walk for thirty minutes, go for a swim, or clear the furniture out of the living room and do a workout there. Getting your heart rate up will also boost your mood and help you feel better throughout the day.

Practice healthy habits

It’s important for your continual health to not engage in habits that will interfere with blood flow, such as smoking or drinking. Smoking cigarettes can cause heart disease, stroke, and damage to the nerves, kidneys, and eyes – all things that can be affected by diabetes as well.

 Relax

Ask for help