A good way to manage diabetes is to follow a routine that will last for the entire day. From the time we wake up to the moment we go back to sleep. Since the blood glucose levels are in constant flux, every meal we eat is important.
After we eat, our blood sugar levels can drastically rise. Therefore, it is important to do some physical exercises as well. The key to managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is to keep the blood glucose levels as stable as we possibly can.
As a result, a proper routine is in order. Here are tips and tricks that can help us manage our diabetes from morning to night.
Morning Routine
When we wake up, the first thing we should do is check our blood sugar levels. According to Marjorie Cypress, the president of health care and education at ADA, if we have type 2 diabetes, it is important always to keep the blood sugar in check before we eat anything.
In addition, we will get a basic idea of where we stand. Next, we should always eat breakfast. Skipping breakfast is never a good idea because it is the most important meal of the day. Plus, the more we skip breakfast, the hungrier we will feel later in the day.
As a result, we will overeat. We should also try to eat breakfast at the same time every day. This way, we will create a routine that is best suited for our body and metabolism. Another thing we should do is massage our feet.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage. Therefore, it is important to take good care of our feet.
Afternoon Routine
Having a proper lunch break is important. But, instead of eating our lunch in seconds, we should try to sit somewhere relaxing and take our time. We should eat our lunch slowly to give our body time to process the food.
After that, if we have time, we can walk a bit to the office. Moreover, we shouldn’t just eat anything. Instead, we need to plan a healthy lunch full of vitamins and minerals that our body needs. Another thing we recommend is to have a healthy snack at hand.
This way we can keep the body healthy and the cravings at bay. Furthermore, we will keep blood glucose levels stable. Once we have relaxed, we can try to do a little activity. Any form of physical activity can be great for keeping the blood sugar in check.
Besides, once we start leading a healthy active life, the cells start to burn the blood sugar without relying on insulin. However, this can only work for those with type 2 diabetes. While people with type 1 have to rely on insulin to properly manage their diabetes.
Finally, we recommend taking any form of physical activity we enjoy. For example, dancing, swimming, and walking, are all great ways to manage diabetes.
Evening Routine
We should eat dinner. However, not a huge portion. Instead, we should eat the same portion size as we ate for lunch and breakfast. To get the best meal plan that would suit our condition and body, it is best to consult with a doctor or nutritionist.
Next, we might do something active while we are watching TV. Don’t just sit in front of the TV. For example, lift some very light weights or do aerobics. This way the body will have a much easier time using the insulin and keep the blood sugar in check.
Bedtime Routine
The first thing we should do is check our blood sugar levels. We should make sure that it is stable so that it won’t affect our sleep. Next, we should brush our teeth. It is important to keep the teeth healthy since having this condition increases the risk of periodontal disease.
Lastly, we may use some lotion on the skin to keep it moisturized and prevent it from cracking and peeling.
