One way we talk about living with diabetes is to describe how to “manage” the condition. And that’s a great way to frame it, because living a healthy and fulfilling life when you have diabetes requires you to take on the role of an active manager, just like you would if you were the head of a business venture.
At Centerville Medical Center, Chuck Osuagwu, MD, is well aware of the time and effort it takes for residents of Garland, Texas, to manage their diabetes actively. He also knows that many people prefer to avoid medication when possible, and strive to manage their diabetes without drug therapy.
So let’s discuss some ways to reach that goal and how the choices you make each day will shape your experience of diabetes, both now and in the future.
Some health issues have a clear-cut treatment path. If you fall and break a bone, that bone can be set and will heal within a relatively short period of time, allowing you to move on with your life.
Diabetes is different. For most people, it’s a lifelong condition that requires ongoing care to keep it under control. Diabetes is defined by high levels of glucose (sugar) within your blood. Working to keep your blood sugar at healthy levels is the central focus for people living with diabetes.
Medication and supplemental insulin can help manage blood sugar. Many people, especially those in the early stages of diabetes or who are prediabetic, want to avoid drug therapy for as long as possible.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can manage your blood sugar on your own.
We say it a lot, but it bears repeating: The choices you make as you move through each day have a direct impact on your current and future health. That’s why it’s so important to understand how those choices affect your life and how you can work to improve your health and wellness.
Nutrition is the best place to begin, since we have to eat several times a day to survive. Though there’s nothing wrong with enjoying your meals and snacks, it can be helpful to remember that at its essence, food is simply fuel.
Choosing healthy foods is the starting point for managing blood sugar. Choices like lean proteins, healthy fats, and an abundance of fruit and vegetables will give your body what it needs. In today’s food environment, it isn’t enough to just add healthy foods to your diet; you also have to work to avoid unhealthy foods.
Eating a substantial amount of highly processed foods can push your nutrition out of balance. You’ll still meet (or likely exceed) your daily caloric needs, but without all of the micronutrients your body requires for peak performance.
The benefits of restful sleep aren’t talked about nearly enough. Sleep is the time when your body and brain repair damage. It’s a necessary part of a healthy life, especially for people with diabetes.
Sleep and diabetes are closely linked. Poor sleep can cause insulin resistance and disrupt your body’s ability to control your blood sugar. But high blood sugar can prevent you from getting enough sleep. This can create a vicious cycle that can leave you feeling drained.
If you aren’t getting restful sleep, try simple changes like avoiding screens in the hours before bed, taking warm showers at night, eating your last meal several hours before bedtime, and setting strict sleeping hours.
Your life is unique, and shaped by things like your work, hobbies, family obligations, and more. Finding the right blood sugar management plan is also a highly personalized process.
If you’d like help structuring a plan to better manage your diabetes, the team at Centerville Medical Center is happy to work with you. Partnering with Dr. Osuagwu ensures you create habits that support your health and improve your blood sugar.
Professional guidance also helps you reach results more quickly than a trial-and-error approach. You’ll receive guidance that is shaped to align with your current health and future goals. You can get started today by reaching out to our team online or over the phone.
