Tips for Thriving With Diabetes January 20, 2021 Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, managing it can seem overwhelming at times. It’s important to know that diabetes affects everyone differently and it’s best to work with your health care team to develop a personalized plan. “The first step in managing diabetes is understanding your blood glucose readings,” said Angie Frederic, registered dietitian nutritionist and manager of Diabetes and Nutrition Education at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. “By testing your blood glucose, you can make informed decisions about any changes that might need to be made to ensure healthy diabetes management.” Here are some additional tips for keeping your diabetes under control. Monitor your blood sugar daily to help stay on track. Take a diabetes class or work with a diabetes educator. Stay active by taking a 30-minute walk every day. Understand your medication and talk to your doctor when you have questions. Know what makes your blood sugar go up or down. Eat regular, well-balanced meals. Visit myplate.gov to learn what foods should fill your plate. Find ways to reduce stress. Get plenty of quality sleep each night. Be patient with yourself. “Diabetes management can change over time and what you have been doing sometimes needs to be adjusted,” said Frederic. “It is easy to get burnt out. Making small adjustments in your diet or routine can help you feel more successful.” One last tip: Focus on what you can eat instead of what you can’t. And enjoy it! For more information on how to take control of your diabetes, visit samhealth.org/Diabetes.
