Managing Diabetes, Made Simpler
By Lindsey Morin,
Even if you do not have diabetes, the chances of you knowing someone who does is high. Diabetes is a disease that affects almost half of the United States, as nearly 10% of the country suffers from it. Diabetes can have highly unpleasant outcomes, including amputations, blindness and strokes. Persons diagnosed with diabetes can find it challenging to navigate healthy eating to keep blood sugar levels low. By eating clean and following these five healthy eating tips, diabetes can help manage blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
One
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes require different approaches to healthy eating. If you have Type 1, it is vital to count your intake of carbohydrates, which will help keep blood glucose levels regular. When counting this macronutrient, estimate how many carbs are in your meal and then match it with the amount of insulin you need to take. If you have Type 2, it is essential to find a healthy way to lose weight because this can help lower the level of sugar in your blood and lower the risk of further complications.
Two
Finding healthy sources of carbohydrates can seem daunting, but some easy ones to gravitate to are brown rice, fruit, lentils and vegetables. The amount of salt you consume is also vital to track because eating too much of it can increase your risk of high blood pressure and other diseases beyond diabetes. Your goal should be to limit yourself to a maximum of one teaspoonful. Another helpful tip to lowering sodium consumption is checking food labels and choosing lower salt levels.
Three
Meal plan methods while incorporating healthy eating can help you plan how much to eat. The plate method helps you control your portion sizes. This method shows you an appropriate amount of each food group appropriate for consumption. To measure portion sizes, you can use your hand or everyday objects to judge the size of a portion. For instance, one serving of meat or poultry is the size of the palm of your hand or a deck of cards.
Four
Participating in physical activities can be a struggle for diabetics, but there are ways to do it safely. Drinking water before, during and after any physical exercise will ensure you are well hydrated. Planning with your health care team before starting a new routine will help you find a program that incorporates your meal plan, diabetes medicine and daily schedule. Physical activities can lower your blood glucose levels, so you must take necessary precautions before exercise to prevent hypoglycemia.
Five
Newman Regional Health Medical Partners Family Medicine can assist you with your diabetes management, as well as nutritional therapy. Nutritional therapy can be a beneficial tool for people struggling with diabetes who need help getting themselves on the right track. Medical Nutritional therapy is a treatment based on nutrition and includes checking a person’s nutrition status and giving the right foods or nutrients to treat the specific condition. The therapist works with their patients to modify their overall behavior regarding food choices. They also help guide the patient in understanding the dieting process and stay engaged in their dietary choices. Medical Nutrition therapy can reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
For Assistance with managing diabetes in Emporia, KS, Contact Newman Regional Health at (620) 343-6800 – ext. 21314.