World Diabetes Day: Steps to Manage Your Diabetes Daily

How to Observe World Diabetes Day? 

Put on the blue circle

The blue circle logo is a universal representation of diabetes awareness. Wear a T-shirt, bracelet, or necklace with the logo on World Diabetes Day, or make your own, to raise awareness of the dangers of this condition and its consequences.

Set up a diabetes fair

On World Diabetes Day, collaborate with local health officials to host a diabetes fair in your area or at your place of employment.

Take a test

Remember to get checked on World Diabetes Day if you are at risk or have any symptoms 

Factors that Impact your Blood Sugar Levels 

It can be difficult to regulate your blood sugar levels within the range advised by your doctor. That's because many factors can inadvertently alter your blood sugar levels.  

The factors listed below may impact your blood sugar levels: 

1. Healthy and Nutritional Food  

Proper nutrition is essential to a healthy lifestyle, whether you have diabetes or not. However, if you have diabetes, you must be aware of how different foods might impact your blood sugar levels. Check what you eat, how much you consume, and the combinations of foods you consume.

2. Carbohydrate Portion Sizes  

Learning to measure carbs is crucial to many diabetes control strategies. Carbohydrates primarily impact your blood sugar levels. Knowing how many carbs are in your diet will help you with the correct insulin dose if you take mealtime insulin.

3. Well-balanced Meal 

Plan each meal to include a healthy balance of carbs, fruits and vegetables, proteins, and fats. Be mindful of the types of carbs you select. Specific sources of carbs, such as those found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are healthier than others. These meals provide fibre to help keep your blood sugar levels steady and are low in carbs. Consult your physician, nurse, or nutritionist for advice on healthy eating options and the ideal food variety balance. 

4. Medicine Intake  

Insufficient eating while undergoing diabetes treatments might cause dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), especially with insulin treatment. If you overeat, your blood sugar level might get too high (hyperglycemia). Your specialists should discuss how to arrange your meals and medications together for optimum results.

5. Smoking 

Smokers make up almost one in six diabetic patients. According to a study by the CDC, [1] smoking increases your chances of developing heart disease, stroke, difficulty controlling your blood sugar, eyesight loss, nerve damage, kidney issues, and amputation. Give quitting another shot if you've already tried. Combining counselling or a support group with nicotine replacement therapies and drugs can be beneficial in reducing cravings.

6. Exercise 

Another crucial component of your diabetes control strategy is physical exercise. Your muscles utilise sugar (glucose) as energy while you work out. Your body uses insulin more effectively when you exercise often.

7. Stress 

Your blood sugar may rise if you're anxious because of the chemicals your body creates in reaction to ongoing stress. Furthermore, strictly adhering to your regular diabetes care regimen could be more challenging if you're under a lot of additional stress.  

Did you know that if diabetes is not controlled properly during pregnancy, the infant could be born with several problems like high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure levels, enlarged heart, etc.? Keep an eye on the Newborn Care Week that is held from 15th to 21st November every year to gain more information on this.

Steps to Kickstart your Journey to a Healthy Life 

Follow these steps to start your journey to a healthy life: 

Consult your Doctor about a Workout Schedule 

Find out from your doctor what kind of exercise is right for you. On most days of the week, aim for around 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each day.

Set Aside Time to Exercise   

Please consult your doctor about the optimum time of the day to work out so that it coincides with your eating and medication regimens.

Understanding Numbers  

Before exercising, discuss with your doctor the ideal blood sugar levels that suit you. 

Take Charge 

Take action once you know how stress impacts your blood sugar level. Establish limitations, prioritise your work, and learn relaxing techniques. Always try to stay away from typical stressors. Exercising frequently assists in lowering blood sugar and relieving tension. 

Get Support  

Discover new coping mechanisms for stress. Working with a psychologist or clinical social worker may help you recognise stressors, discover solutions, or develop new coping mechanisms. For example, you can predict changes and plan appropriately by knowing what affects your blood sugar. 

Take Proper Medication  

When diet and exercise alone are insufficient for treating diabetes, insulin and other diabetic drugs are prescribed to reduce your blood sugar levels. However, the time and dosage of these drugs will determine their efficacy. In addition, your blood sugar levels may be impacted by medications you take for illnesses other than diabetes. 

Inform your doctor about any issues. For example, the amount or timing of your diabetic medications may need to be altered if they persistently raise your blood sugar levels or cause them to drop too low.

It's important to observe days like World Diabetes Day that raise awareness of the dangers of diabetes and its consequences. Similarly, days like World Brain Tumour Day and World Pneumonia Day are celebrated to spread awareness about these conditions among the masses. Remember to get yourself checked if you have any risk factors or symptoms. 

For more information and help, contact Bajaj Finserv Health to speak to a doctor. To receive the right advice on how to live a stress-free healthy life and know more details on how to take care of diabetes every day, you can schedule a virtual teleconsultation right from the comfort of your home.