3 Simple lifestyle choices for living with diabetes.
Diabetes does not always have to be complicated. If you are living with diabetes, here are three simple lifestyle choices you can implement now.
In my family, diabetes runs on both sides. My paternal side included my father, uncle, aunt, and grandmother, all with type 2 diabetes. My maternal side had my aunt, with insulin-dependent type 1.
I became very aware and familiar with the negatives of living with diabetes at an early age because of this. I have been tested frequently and made it a priority to learn how to mitigate the onset of any diabetes.
I am happy and blessed that I am still diabetic-free in my late 50s and do not ever foresee it in my future.
I am not a medical professional, and you should always consult your doctor before implementing new routines.
However, I would like to share some positive tips regarding living with diabetes or being pre-diabetic that can help manage the disease and symptoms.
Diabetes is all too common in our modern world. If left untreated, it can turn into a debilitating disease.
All forms of diabetes can benefit from the basic foundations of health.
Lifestyle choices such as exercise, nutrition, and reducing stress levels can positively impact the body’s ability to process food into energy properly.
What are some things we can do naturally?
EXERCISE
- Exercise is highly beneficial for maintaining blood sugar levels and proper weight. There are many forms of exercise you can do depending on your health. Your physician should clear any activities before starting.
- Walking in nature gives you several benefits, such as fresh air and sunshine, and can be done anywhere, including in your backyard or a city park.
- The important thing is movement. If you have limited mobility or use a wheelchair, you can do some chair exercises with simple movements of your arms, legs, and core building. You can even incorporate weights!
NUTRITION
- Properly nourishing the body is another way of correcting imbalances in the body.
- Eating low glycemic foods like beans, plenty of fresh leafy greens, healthy sources of fiber such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, and nuts, and avoiding high sugar can help.
- Eating foods that help keep blood sugar levels neutral and do not cause spikes or rapid decreases are key.
REDUCING STRESS
- Stress reduction is an essential and frequently overlooked part of controlling blood sugar levels, hormones, and weight. Stress can raise hormone levels affecting how well insulin works.
- Cortisol, a well-known stress hormone, can stimulate glucose levels in the body, causing a rise in blood sugar levels.
- Practicing mindfulness techniques are shown to reduce stress and improve fasting blood glucose levels.
Choose to be as positive and proactive as possible in your health and care! Many people have successfully managed their diabetes with simple dietary and lifestyle changes.
Sources:
- N.A. CDC Retrieved on June 1, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/media/presskits/aahd/diabetes.pdf
- Grey H. (May 2020) 10 Exercises for Diabetes: Walking, Yoga, Swimming, and More. Retrieved on June 1, 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/top-exercises
- Kelly E. (Sept. 2020) The 16 Best Foods to Control Diabetes. Retrieved on June 1, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-best-foods-for-diabetics#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
- Caporuscio J., Pharm. D. (August 2019) How Are Diabetes and Stress Linked? Retrieved on June 1, 2021, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326193
If you would like to see more of my writing, please feel free to click the links below! I appreciate, and am so grateful for the encouragement! ~ Penni Aubrey
