由 home-healthhaven 
According to the Ohio State University Fact Sheet, diabetes is noted as the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. It can also cause severe complications like irreversible kidney disease, limb amputations, and blindness. People with diabetes have a two to four times higher risk of heart attacks and flu-related complications compared to non-diabetics. Staying active is crucial for maintaining health even after a diabetes diagnosis.
Here are ten tips to help you stay active with diabetes:
1) **Diet**
Maintaining good health involves eating well, exercising regularly, and taking sensible precautions. While this approach is not foolproof, it is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. HelpGuide, a non-profit resource, points out that managing your weight can lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. It’s never too late to adopt healthier eating habits.
2) **Exercise**
If you have diabetes, you need to pay extra attention to how exercise affects your body. Exercise can change your sensitivity to insulin and lower your blood sugar levels. It’s essential to monitor your body, especially in extreme weather. Be cautious of physical injuries; even a short walk can cause foot bruises due to pressure. Diabetic socks can offer extra protection. Regular exercise can help prevent type 2 diabetes and manage your metabolic syndrome.
3) **Protective Clothing**
Exercise isn’t just about routines; it can include activities like gardening. If you enjoy gardening, wear a wide-brimmed hat to avoid head injuries. Consider using other protective gear such as shin guards, kneepads, elbow pads, long-sleeved shirts, coveralls, work gloves, and diabetic socks.
4) **Exercise Checklist**
Plan your activities carefully. Start by consulting your doctor and respecting your known limits. Your checklist should include:
– Checking blood sugar before and after exercising
– Wearing proper shoes and diabetic socks
– Monitoring your feet for blisters or sores
– Doing warm-ups before and cool-downs after exercise
– Staying hydrated
– Keeping a snack handy for emergencies.
5) **Medication**
To live longer, follow your doctor’s advice. Diabetes medications can lower blood sugar by various means, such as:
– Blocking stomach enzymes
– Reducing the liver’s glucose production and release
– Stimulating insulin production and release in the pancreas
Your doctor can help determine the best medication for your condition.
6) **Acupuncture**
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) indicates that acupuncture can have positive effects for diabetics with neuropathy. Some proponents also link acupuncture to weight loss.
7) **Biofeedback**
Biofeedback helps you become more aware of pain and can reduce or eliminate some pain through positive imagery techniques.
8) **Ginseng**
Ginseng, particularly American ginseng, has shown promise in studies for lowering glucose levels.
9) **Magnesium**
While the role of magnesium in diabetes management isn’t definitively proven, low magnesium levels might hinder insulin secretion in the pancreas and increase cell resistance to insulin.
10) **Yoga**
Yoga, an ancient practice, has shown significant success in managing diabetes through current studies.
A holistic health plan combines dieting, mental health, nutrition, muscle building, fitness, yoga, and other strategies. Use these ten tips in a way that best suits your lifestyle for an active and healthy life with diabetes.