Diabetes is the most common metabolic condition in the country. It affects over 37 million American adults — and if you have questions about how to manage your condition, you’re not alone.
From understanding your risk of diabetes complications to deciding what to eat every day, there’s a lot that goes into managing your diabetes. The good news is that we’re here to help.
Our team at Endocrine Associates of West Village is dedicated to providing comprehensive diabetes care and empowering our patients to enjoy their best health. Read on to learn our top lifestyle tips for managing diabetes.
Controlling your blood sugar is essential to managing your diabetes, and the food you eat directly affects your blood sugar level. Foods high in carbohydrates and sugar elevate your blood sugar and, in turn, your risk of diabetes complications.
While no foods are 100% off-limits, most of your diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Do your best to avoid alcohol and other beverages and foods high in fat, sugars, carbohydrates, and sodium.
Strive to eat roughly the same amount of carbohydrates at each meal to help prevent blood sugar spikes. Pay attention to your hunger cues, and only eat as much as you need to feel full.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. That breaks down to 30 minutes at a time, five times a week.
Physical activity offers health benefits for everyone, and it’s especially important for people with diabetes. It can lower your blood sugar, reduce stress, reduce your risk of heart disease, and help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be effective. Try activities like walking, swimming, biking, or yoga to get your heart rate up and get a little sweaty.
Smoking can make your diabetes harder to manage. Plus, it can significantly increase your risk of diabetes complications, like nerve damage, heart problems, and eye problems.
The nicotine in cigarettes and e-cigarettes elevates your blood sugar level and makes insulin less effective. That means your blood sugar is harder to control, and you may need to take more insulin to regulate it.
Fortunately, quitting smoking has a positive effect on your health. When you quit, your blood sugar becomes easier to manage, and your risk of complications starts going down.
Monitoring your blood sugar is the best way to manage your diabetes. When you track your blood sugar level, you learn what makes it rise and fall — and your health care can use this information to develop your diabetes care plan.
At Endocrine Associates of West Village, we recommend continuous glucose monitors for most of our patients. These advanced wearable devices provide real-time blood sugar measurements and eliminate the need for painful fingersticks.
Your results go straight to an app, where you and your health care team can review the data and make informed decisions about your care.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by managing it. When you partner with the diabetes specialists at Endocrine Associates of West Village, you have the expertise and guidance you need to enjoy your best health.
Our team includes an endocrinologist, podiatrist, ophthalmologist, vascular specialist, nutritionists, and diabetes education specialists. We combine personalized care with advanced technology, including pulsatile insulin pumps, to make diabetes management easier.
You have regular appointments with our care team, and we monitor your numbers in between your visits. We’re available to answer any questions you have, too.
Managing your diabetes is possible, and we’re here to help you achieve better health. Contact us online or call our offices in Long Island City or New York, New York, to schedule your first appointment today.
