How daily life can affect blood sugar, and the steps you can take to manage this.
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Key to achieving this is knowing what situations result in fluctuating sugar levels. You may think you know what they are, but some of the things listed below might just surprise you.
Food
This is a no-brainer. Eating healthily takes on enormous significance for diabetics, but it’s not only what you eat that matters, but also how much and when you eat.
Well-balanced meals: Eat according to the guidelines provided by the Malaysian Food Pyramid. Include all the food groups in the relevant proportions.
For expert guidance, consult a dietitian about your meal plan.
Follow a schedule: Sugar levels are at their highest an hour or two after a meal. But making your mealtimes predictable allows you to control your sugar levels, especially when you’re on medications.
You can prevent extreme blood sugar levels by eating several small meals a day. Another option is to eat healthy snacks at regular times between meals.
Control amounts: Do not binge! Remember the food guidelines: balance, moderation and variety.
Take your medication: Talk to your doctor to tailor a meal plan that will allow your medication to provide you the best benefits.
Stress
Stress has unfortunately become an unwelcome companion in the modern world. The hormones released during stress can adversely affect how insulin works.
In addition, stress can lead to you ignoring your routine, which is not good when it comes to controlling sugar levels.
Take control: Fight stress by learning relaxation techniques. Avoid getting stressed, and if all else fails, seek professional help. Learn meditation exercises, and new coping skills. Try rating your stress levels in order to fight back effectively.
Illness
Similar to what happens when you’re stressed, illness can result in the production of stress-like hormones. This can affect blood sugar levels.
In addition, changes to appetite and activity levels when you’re ill can also affect your blood sugar levels.
Plan of action: You should have a “sick-day” plan in order to cope with illness. This may include slight adjustments to your medications, and how frequently you monitor blood sugar levels.
It’s important that you continue to take your diabetes medication. If you’re nauseous or suffer from vomiting, contact your doctor.
Medication
Medications prescribed for diabetes have the primary aim of lowering blood sugar levels when lifestyle modifications are insufficient to manage them. Their effectiveness depends on the timing and size of the dose.
In addition, medications you take for other problems may affect how your diabetes drugs work.
Work with your doctor to ensure that the timing and dosage of the medications you take are effective.
If you’re prescribed drugs for other illnesses, inform your doctor so that necessary adjustments can be made if required.
Stick to your medication routine, and if there are any changes, discuss them with your doctor.
Alcohol
Alcohol and diabetes are not a good mix. Alcohol can lead to low blood sugar after you drink, as well as aggravate diabetic complications. However, if your diabetes is under control and your doctor agrees, an occasional alcoholic drink with a meal is fine.
Exercise
Regular exercise can improve your body’s response to insulin. Hence, exercising regularly is good, not only for diabetics, but for everyone striving to improve their health.
Discuss with your doctor about an exercise plan, and how you can go about exercising safely, looking at things such as frequency, monitoring glucose levels before and after exercise, and so on.
Menstruation and menopause
The hormonal changes that occur with menstruation and menopause can affect sugar levels. Your diabetes plan needs to be adjusted accordingly, including meal plans, activity levels or even medications, during these phases.
Reference: Mayo Clinic
http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Health/2013/11/10/Be-in-sugar-control.aspx
