When confronted with a diabetes diagnosis, denial is a normal reaction. Although there is no cure for diabetes, proper management of your condition can help you live a long and healthy life, with minimal or no long-term complications.
The keys to lowering your blood sugar and improving your condition are the same for healthy living in general: exercising regularly, sleeping 7-9 hours per night, eating well, and maintaining a healthy weight. These factors are all interconnected, and following one makes it easier to follow the others. For example:
- Exercising regularly lowers blood sugar and can help you sleep more soundly.
- Sleeping 7-9 hours per night can reduce food cravings.
- Reduced food cravings can improve your eating habits.
- Improved eating habits can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Adopting these habits permanently can go a long way toward significantly lowering your blood glucose levels. Even though you may need additional medication to manage your blood glucose levels as you get older, healthy eating and exercise should always be part of your routine. Otherwise, diabetes becomes more difficult to manage, and complications are more likely to arise. Make an appointment with your Primary Care Provider to discuss the best ways to manage your diabetes.