Take charge of your diabetes

WHEN YOU have diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar levels within the range recommended by your healthcare professional. Diabetes can affect almost every part of your body, including your heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Diabetes is also linked to some types of cancer. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes health problems by leading a healthy lifestyle, taking your medicines, and managing your blood glucose level, also called blood sugar level. Work with your healthcare team to create a diabetes care plan that works for you.

Staying healthy when you have diabetes can be a challenge. However, leading a healthy lifestyle may help keep your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in the ranges recommended by your doctor.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR DIABETES

• Set goals: Create a plan to reach your goals, and make sure your steps are realistic and measurable.

• Educate yourself: Learn about diabetes from books or websites.

• Take care of yourself: Get regular check-ups and screenings, and keep records of your blood glucose levels, medications, and side effects.

• Find support: Talk to a friend or relative, or join a diabetes support group.

• Eat healthily: Eat foods that are low in fat, salt and sugar, and try to eat about the same amount of food each day.

• Exercise regularly: Try to exercise at least three times a week for 30 to 45 minutes each time.

• Test your blood sugar: Test your blood sugar before, during, and after exercise.

• Cut back on alcohol: Drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop to dangerous levels.

• Consider taking a daily aspirin: If you have diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors, your doctor may recommend taking a low dose of aspirin.

– keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com

SOURCE: World Health Organization