
- Consult a Healthcare Team:
Establish regular check-ups with a healthcare team, including an endocrinologist, primary care physician, dietitian, and diabetes educator.
- Blood Glucose Monitoring:
Monitor blood glucose levels regularly, as advised by your healthcare provider.
- Medications:
Take prescribed medications, including oral drugs and/or insulin, as directed.
- Healthy Eating:
- Follow a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, focusing on vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Monitor carbohydrate intake to manage blood sugar levels.
- Limit or avoid sugary and processed foods.
- Portion Control:
- Be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie intake.
- Regular Physical Activity:
- Engage in regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
- Include strength training exercises to improve insulin sensitivity.
- Weight Management:
- Maintain a healthy weight or aim for gradual weight loss if overweight.
- Weight loss can often improve blood sugar control.
- Stress Management:
- Practice stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
- Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Control:
- Manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels through medication, diet, and exercise.
- Regular Eye, Foot, and Dental Exams:
- Schedule regular check-ups to detect and prevent diabetes-related complications.
- Foot Care:
- Inspect your feet daily for any sores, blisters, or cuts.
- Keep your feet clean and moisturized, and wear appropriate footwear.
- Blood Sugar Record Keeping:
- Maintain a record of your blood sugar readings, medications, and lifestyle changes to track your progress and share with your healthcare team.
- Education and Support:
- Attend diabetes education classes or support groups to learn more about managing your condition and connect with others who have diabetes.
- Regular Sleep:
- Prioritize good sleep hygiene to help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Smoking Cessation:
- If you smoke, seek support to quit smoking as it exacerbates diabetes complications.
- Emergency Plan:
- Have a plan for low blood sugar episodes, including carrying a source of fast-acting carbohydrates.
- Vaccinations:
- Stay up-to-date on recommended vaccinations, especially the flu and pneumonia vaccines.