Healthy Lifestyle Tips For Diabetes and Hypertension

Neha A
Neha A
Jul 25, 2017 · 3 min read

High blood pressure is when your blood moves through your vessels with too much force. It is a high risk factor for heart diseases, kidney problems and can affect your eyesight. Having diabetes with high blood pressure further puts one at a greater risk for heart diseases. Adhering to a healthy routine and a good diet is fundamental to managing your Diabetes and Hypertension.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Stick to a balanced diet that manages your intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and sodium

· Pick on whole grain and fiber rich foods like brown rice, whole wheat cereals, legumes, sprouts, millets, fruits and vegetables.

· Foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated and Trans fat can elevate your risk of heart diseases. Limit red and processed meats, full cream milk, butter, cheese, French fries, and baked goods including cakes, biscuits/cookies, crackers and stick margarines.

· Rotate your cooking oils, choosing from range of flaxseed, rice bran, mustard, olive, groundnut, canola, soya, sesame oils etc.

· Good dietary protein increases satiety, reduces hunger, preserves lean muscle mass. Add protein from low fat dairy products, beans, legumes, soya and nuts in your diet.

· It is advisable to reduce the intake of sodium in your daily diet. Switch to low sodium salt or use less salt in cooking. Use herbs and other seasoning to flavour food. Limit salted snacks like chips, salted nuts, popcorn, pappads, pickles, canned soups etc.

· Spread your carbohydrate intake evenly throughout the day to avoid spikes in blood sugars. Observe regular meal timings!

Move more!

Exercise maintains your cardiovascular health, reduces insulin resistance and aids in weight management. Ensure physical activity of 150 minutes per week which may include walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, zumba or any other dance form etc.

Change your unhealthy lifestyle habits

Alcohol can affect both blood sugar and blood pressure. It may increase your triglycerides and add to unwanted calories.Beer, wine and other cocktail mixes contain carbohydrates and may increase your blood sugars. Avoid/limit alcohol.

Smoking is well known health hazard. It is associated with increase in heart rate and blood pressure, constriction of blood vessels and hardening of arterial walls, all which puts you at greater risk of heart attack or stroke. According to Center for Disease Control and prevention, smoking makes your diabetes harder to control.Quit smoking!

Know your progress

· Monitor your blood sugars using a home use glucometer. A smartphone connected mobile glucometer makes this job easy as it records all your data on the mobile app.

· Check your blood pressure as advised by your health care team.

· Consult your doctor and diabetes educator on a regular basis. Follow all clinical assessment and lab investigations as recommended by your Doctor.

· Do not miss or change the medication without consultation of a doctor.

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