20 Ways to Manage A1C And Diabetes

Diabetes is a severe chronic condition that can result in serious complications. However, if you keep your blood sugar and A1C under control, then you will greatly reduce your chances of developing a serious complication. There are many ways that you can keep your diabetes under control. Here are 20 ideas to get you started:

1. Regular Exercise

Exercising is one of the simplest ways to keep your blood sugar and A1C under control. Your body uses glucose for fuel during exercise. That is why you will naturally be able to reduce your blood sugar by exercising. Regular exercise will also improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

You can notice a major difference by exercising 30 to 60 minutes per day. Talk to your physician before you start an exercise program. Low-impact activities are best for diabetics. This includes things such as walking and swimming.

2. Snack Healthy

Being a diabetic does not mean you have to give up snacks. In fact, snacking on healthy foods can make it easier for you to control your blood sugar. Celery with hummus, string cheese with whole wheat crackers, eggs, and nuts are delicious and healthy snacks for diabetics. Beware of hidden sugars in snacks. Fruit, for example, while healthy, can contain a lot of sugar. Bananas, for instance, contain 14g of sugar, and watermelon contains 19g.

3. Check Your Blood Sugar Regularly

One of the most important things that you can do as a diabetic is to check your blood sugar regularly. This will make it easier for you to plan your meals and exercise time accordingly. Keeping a log of your blood sugar will also make it easier for your physician to develop a treatment plan for you.

There are also diabetes apps that you can use. Diabetes Tracker is one of the apps that you may want to consider using to track your blood sugar.

4. Limit Alcohol Intake

Diabetics can drink alcohol. However, women should not have more than one drink per day. Men should not have more than two. Beer and wine have carbohydrates that can raise blood sugar.

5. Lose Weight

Losing weight can greatly benefit a diabetic. In fact, a person who weighs over 200 pounds can have an easier time controlling their blood sugar by losing just 10 to 20 pounds.

6. Have Your Eyes Checked

Diabetes can affect any part of your body, and that includes your eyes. In fact, diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness. That is why it is important for diabetics to get their eyes checked on a regular basis.

7. Get the Recommended Amount of Sleep

Inadequate sleep can make it more difficult for you to control your blood sugar. It can also raise your blood pressure and cholesterol.

There are many things you can do in order to get the recommended amount of sleep. Try to maintain the same sleep schedule every day. If you consume caffeine, then you will need to do so before 2 p.m.

8. Eat Plenty of Non-Starchy Vegetables

Cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers and carrots are some of the non-starchy vegetables that you can eat. Non-starchy vegetables are an ideal part of the diabetes diet because they have a low glycemic index. Foods with a low glycemic index will not cause a sharp rise in your blood sugar.

9. Limit Sugar

Sugary foods are at the top of the list of the foods to avoid if you have diabetes. Not only will you need to avoid cookies, cakes and brownies, but you will also need to avoid sodas and fruit juices. These foods and beverages not only causes a sharp spike in your blood sugar, but they can also contribute to weight problems.