Tips for Living With Diabetes
Although diabetes is usually a manageable disease, it is something that you have to live with every day. The most important thing you can do is to follow a care plan and put your health first. It’s not always easy, but here are a few tips to help ensure you’re doing what is best for your health.
Find a Good Doctor
First and foremost, you’ll need to find a good endocrinologist to help manage your disease. Your primary care physician should be able to refer you to someone in your area. You will be diagnosed with either type I or type II. Your doctors will then work to come up with a health plan for you depending on how your levels look and whether you are type I or type II. Remember that this is a doctor you will be working with for a long time, so make sure to find someone you are comfortable with.
Make a Plan
Although your doctor will make your health plan for you, you will still need to make your own plan as well. Finding out you have diabetes often means you have to change certain aspects of your lifestyle. You may have to follow a low carb diet and incorporate more exercise into your routine. You’ll likely have to check your blood sugar a few times a day, and if you’re insulin dependent, you may have to give yourself a shot before each meal. You’ll need to find ways to make sure you stay on track.
Prepare for Emergencies
It’s important to be prepared in case your blood sugar levels spike or drop drastically. Have juice or glucose tabs readily available. You may want to get type 1 diabetic id bracelets in case you’re in public when an incident occurs.
Getting the diagnosis can be scary, but preparing yourself as much as possible is one of the best things you can do. Sit down with your doctor, come up with a plan and stick to it.