by Joyce Priddy

Created on: December 09, 2006   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

There are many tips for controlling diabetes. Being diagnosed with diabetes is not a death sentence. You are simply going to have to learn a new lifestyle to fit around your disease. Controlling diabetes will give you a better quality of life and a longer life with fewer complications as the disease affects your body. Even if you are not diabetic, some of these tips can be used by anyone for a healthier and more satisfying life.

Tips for controlling diabetes:

[1] Monitor your blood levels closely and keep a log book to take to your health care provider. This will enable them to adjust your insulin or diet accordingly.

[2] Visit a nutritionist and stick with the nutrition plan set forth for your type of diabetes. If you cheat, forgive yourself and adjust your meds. Each day is a new day.

[3] Don't smoke anything or drink alcohol.

[4] Maintain a regular sleeping schedule. Our bodies metabolism and use of insulin decreases at night. Keeping a regular sleeping schedule will enable you to keep sugar levels more steady then sleeping erratically.

[5] Join a support group of other diabetics. It helps to have someone to talk to about the disease and how it is affecting your life.

[6] Even if you're feeling better, stay on medications. It is easy to skip medicines or stop testing sugar levels. Consistency is best in the long run even if it becomes a bother or gets expensive. Ask your doctor for medication samples. Ask your pharmacist for test strips and glucometers. Many companies have promotions monthly that can cut down on the cost of diabetes maintenance control.

[7] Let others around you know of your condition. Give basic instructions for how to assist you and what to look for if your sugars become too high or too low. You will need regular breaks to snack and to take insulin if needed. Also, you will most likely be visiting the restroom more then other co-workers. Diabetes is not an illness of shame. Supervisors are usually accommodating and understanding of your needs.

[8] Meditate and find ways to relax. Stress increases your sugar levels.

[9] Wash your hands frequently. Use hand sanitizer on shopping cart handles, bathroom facilities, door handles and phone equipment. Diabetics are more susceptible to illness. Stay away from people that are sick whenever possible. When you are sick, your sugars will rise. Adjust medication needs when you are sick and let your doctor know.

[10] Take care of cuts. Watch cuts for infections. Infections are dangerous to diabetics because wounds heal slower and infections increase sugar levels. Consult with a doctor if you become injured or cut.

[11] Wear socks at all times! Protect your feet with protective footwear and socks.

[12] Maintain your doctor appointments. Annually see a podiatrist, eye doctor and dentist.

Diabetes is a lifestyle change not a death sentence. Taking control of the disease is the first step toward a more satisfying and productive life. Additionally, control will decrease the damage to your body that diabetes can cause.

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