How Should Patients Manage Diabetes & Their Blood Sugar?

As per the International Diabetes Federation report published in 2020, about 77 million people in India have diabetes. Diabetes is a common health condition prevalent among both men and women of all age groups. It is a chronic condition in which the sugar or the glucose levels in the blood become too high than required. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your priority must be managing diabetes and keeping the blood sugar level under check.

When you eat food, the carbohydrates are digested into sugar. In response to the rising sugar levels in the blood, the pancreas releases insulin to absorb the sugar and convert it into fuel for the body’s healthy functioning. However, if you are diagnosed with diabetes, the pancreas’ capacity to produce sufficient insulin to absorb the sugar is restricted, increasing blood sugar levels.Many healthcare experts worldwide have corroborated that diabetes cannot be cured entirely, but it can be managed easily. Here are a few useful tips that will help you: Watch out what you eat The importance of a healthy and balanced diet cannot be stressed enough if you have diabetes. It is said, ‘the food you eat defines your health.’ You can consult a dietician to help you chart a proper diet plan to suit your specific condition. But, generally, experts recommend including the right mix of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Also, it is vital to watch the portion. It is better to eat small portions of food 4-5 a day rather than eating a bigger portion three times. Manage your stress There is plenty of scientific evidence to suggest that stress has a significant impact on blood sugar levels. When you are stressed, managing diabetes can be challenging. Hence, it advisable to consult a healthcare expert to manage stress under, as it can harm your overall health.As recommended by the experts, one of the best ways to manage stress is to cultivate a hobby or indulge in activities that make you feel happy. It could be anything, right from dancing, travelling to listening to music. Seek help from your family and well-wishers and surround yourself with happiness and good thoughts to manage your stress and diabetes. Cut down the sugar intake If you have the habit of drinking soft drinks or if you love eating sweets, you must know that such foods are rich in calories and provide little nutrition. And, therefore such practices play a significant role in increasing blood sugar levels. So, if you have diabetes, it is advisable to use less or cut down the sugar intake completely. Exercise regularly Just like a proper diet, a regular workout is vital for managing diabetes. Exercise does not mean lifting heavy weights at the gym. Simple activities like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and climbing stairs can go a long way in helping you keep the blood sugar under control. But, the key is to exercise regularly for at least 30-40 minutes a day. Besides, exercise helps in building muscles, improving metabolism, and overall fitness. Purchase a health insurance policy for financial protection While you can take all the necessary steps to manage diabetes, you must not ignore the importance of purchasing a robust health insurance policy . It is a crucial step in getting financial protection against medical expenses.

The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.