Overcoming the Challenges of Managing Diabetes (August 3, 2024)

Finding out you have a diabetes can add layers of stress to your life as you navigate the effects of the illness on your health and day-to-day activities You also face challenges and the possibility of setbacks, which can add more stress.  Effectively managing diabetes requires making lifestyle changes and sticking to them to achieve desired outcomes.

Managing diabetes first and foremost means accepting that you cannot continue down the same path you have been on, which requires changing your mindset.  This may require learning new skills or improving ones you already have that are not working for you. For example, you may need to work on a new way to plan your meals or find a new exercise. You may need to get more sleep and shut off the TV or your mobile devices earlier to relax your mind.

At the same time, as you figure out how to manage diabetes, you need to continue with the other aspects of your life, which adds to the challenge of having a chronic condition.  You cannot neglect family matters, your job, and relationships with associates and friends, some of whom become part of your support network.

First steps in how to manage diabetes

Managing diabetes begins with several important first steps. After conferring with your health care providers to make decisions about your care, you will want to follow the “diabetes ABCs,” advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These steps on how to manage diabetes, which can help reduce the risk of diabetes complications like a heart attack or stroke, include:[1]

A: Get a regular A1C test to measure your average blood sugar over 2 to 3 months. Ask your health care team what your goal should be.

B: Try to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg (or the target your doctor sets).

C: Control your cholesterol levels.

s: Stop smoking or do not start.

Create a diabetes management plan

How to manage diabetes also involves establishing a daily diabetes management plan.  In addition to daily care, the plan will include a schedule of lab tests and appointments with your health care providers throughout the year.

Other action items of your diabetes management plan include:

Blood sugar checks: According to the CDC, your daily care plan should include checking your blood sugar levels several times a day as directed by your doctor. Record the numbers and share the information with your health team during visits.[2]

Diabetes medicines: The CDC also advises to take the amount of diabetes medicine your doctor prescribes, even when you feel good.[3]

Proper nutrition: When you have diabetes, managing blood sugar can be difficult either because your pancreas is not making enough insulin or the insulin it makes is not being used efficiently. Eat a balanced, modified carbohydrate diet to help lose weight if necessary and better manage blood sugars.

The key to healthy eating, according to the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) [4]  is to eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups in the amount established in a meal plan specific to your needs.  The food groups are: vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and dairy (nonfat or low fat). Also eat foods with heart-healthy fats, which come from:

• oils that are liquid at room temperature, such as canola and olive oil
• nuts and seeds
• heart-healthy fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel
• avocado

Also, limit fried foods and other foods high in saturated and trans fats, foods high in salt, sweets, and beverages with added sugars. To stay on track with healthy eating, look at the label of the foods you buy to make sure they are appropriate for your plan.

Daily Exercise: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends getting 150 minutes of exercise a week. For diabetics, walking is one of the easiest and best exercises. [5] Other recommended activities are riding a bike, gardening, house cleaning, and even playing with your pets. They are easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

Achieve life/health balance: As part of your diabetes management plan, strive to achieve peace and calm. Achieving balance can include anything from meditating, performing breathing exercises or the use of aromatherapy and music therapy. Reading or keeping a journal also can help you recharge.

Foot care: Foot problems are common if you have diabetes.  Ulcers occur because of tissue in the skin breaking down. Foot ulcers are most common under big toes and the balls of the feet and can affect feet down to the bone. [6] 

Foot ulcers result from neuropathy or nerve damage. You can get a foot injury and not feel it due to the loss of feeling. The injury can become worse if left undetected and as a result untreated.

 Check your feet daily for the following problems and let your doctor know if you experience any of them:

• Blisters or sores
• Bruises or cuts
• Redness, warmth, or tenderness (often absent because of nerve damage)
• Firm or hard spots
• Dry and cracked skin

EASE-Z

For moisturizing, consider EASE-Z Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream. It was developed specifically to relieve and protect dry, cracked skin associated with diabetes. The over-the-counter (OTC) offering uniquely features active Zinc Acetate to relieve and protect. EASE-Z also is formulated with Shea Butter, Lecithin, and Glycerin to deliver deep hydration. The product covers the skin with a thick protective layer that penetrates to provide real, long lasting-relief.  EASE-Z is unscented and non-greasy for added comfort. Learn more about Ease-Z. Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream.

Hashtags:

#diabetes #diabetesmanagement #diabetesawareness #diabetescare #diabetesdiet

[1] ‘Steps to Help You Stay Healthy with Diabetes,” CDC, May 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/caring/steps-to-help-you-stay-healthy-with-diabetes.html

[2] “Your Diabetes Care Schedule,” CDC, Accessed July 21, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/care-schedule.html

[3] Ibid

[4] “Diabetes Diet, Eating& Physical Activity,” NDDK, Accessed July 21, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity

[5]“It’s a great time to get moving,” ADA, Accessed July 21, 2024. https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/fitness

[6] Healthline Editorial Team, “Diabetic Ulcers: Causes and Treatment,” Healthline, Updated February 4, 2021. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetic-foot-pain-and-ulcers-causes-treatments