Are you worried about keeping your diabetes under control?? No worries!! Beat it by making simple changes in your lifestyle. Diabetes can be reduced when you eat healthily, become more physically active, and lose weight. Many people also worry that they need to take pills daily to keep their sugar under control. But the secret of managing diabetes is not in the pills but in lifestyle changes.
If you want to control diabetes, here are a few tips to follow:
1. Regular exercise
Exercise helps to keep your diabetes under control. There are many benefits of regular exercise for diabetic patients. It helps to -
- Reduce weight
- Lower your blood sugar
- Boost your sensitivity to insulin.
Resistance training and aerobic exercise can help. But the greater benefit comes from a fitness program which includes both. Even losing a pound can help you in diabetes control.
2. Improve your diet
Your doctor may suggest you take fibre-rich food when you are diagnosed with diabetes. Fibre-rich foods include vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Including fibre in your diet can help you in many ways.
- It lowers the risk of heart disease
- It promotes weight loss.
During festive seasons, navigating diabetes can be a challenge. To maintain a balance, it's essential to steer away from concentrated sugars. If you find yourself craving something sweet, consider enjoying a piece of your favourite fruit. Personalising your approach to managing your diet plays a pivotal role in effectively curbing diabetes, even amidst the joys of celebrations.
3. Lose extra weight
Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for managing diabetes during festivals, and this extends to festive occasions like Diwali. Understanding the impact of weight on diabetes is essential. If you're carrying excess weight, it becomes challenging to control diabetes effectively. For those with a waist circumference of 35 inches or more for women and 40 inches or more for men, shedding pounds becomes a key strategy in diabetes management. Opting for Diwali sweets for diabetics and incorporating regular exercise into your routine can contribute to weight loss, ultimately improving your overall health and aiding in diabetes control.
4. Control sleep apnoea
People who are overweight and diabetic may also have sleep apnea. Sleep apnoea is a condition in which there is a temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. Diabetes and sleep apnea increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. It can be controlled by:
- Wearing a special device while sleeping
- Changing the sleeping pattern.
5. Lower your stress
Stress can increase your blood sugar levels. You need to try relaxation techniques to lower stress. They include:
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Meditation
- Massage
- Soothing music.
You can also try the following tips in addition to the relaxation techniques.
- Quit alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods at night
- Maintain a slightly cool sleeping environment
- Switch off all lights and avoid noise
- Go to bed early and maintain the same schedule every night
- Practice breathing exercises
- Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
Changing your lifestyle is an important step towards diabetes prevention and control. Simple lifestyle changes will ensure a healthier future and improved quality of life. If you have not started yet, it is not too late, start it now. For further information, we would encourage you to consult with the top endocrinologists in Bangalore and get expert advice.