20 Ways to Manage A1C And Diabetes

10. Eat Breakfast

You do not want to skip breakfast. A nutritious breakfast will boost your energy and stabilize blood sugar. Whole-grain cereal, whole-grain muffin parfait and oatmeal are great breakfast choices for diabetics.

11. Avoid White Rice and Bread

Sugary foods are not the only things you should avoid if you have diabetes. You should also avoid white rice and bread. Foods with white flour in them are converted into sugar once they are digested by the body. That is why they can cause an increase in your blood sugar.

12. Limit Fatty Meat

Saturated fat, which is found in fatty meats, is bad for diabetics. Saturated fat can increase inflammation and raise cholesterol. Diabetics are already at an increased risk for developing heart disease. Saturated fat can further increase this risk.

13. Dine Out Wisely

Being a diabetic does not mean you cannot eat out. However, you have to carefully select the foods that you eat.

There are many healthy substitutions you can make. For example, if you love fish, then you can get it broiled or baked instead of fried. You should also watch your portion sizes. If you order a large entree, then you can split it with a friend or take part of it home.

Keep in mind that there are diet apps that you can use that will make dining out easier for you.

14. Keep Your Mind Sharp

Diabetes can increase the risk of dementia. One of the ways you can reduce your risk of dementia is by keeping your mind sharp. Doing crossword puzzles and practicing an instrument are some of the ways you can keep your mind sharp.

15. Drink Plenty of Water

There are many ways you can benefit if you consume a lot of water. People who have diabetes are more likely to become dehydrated because excess glucose causes the body to lose more water. The higher your blood sugar is, the more likely you are to become dehydrated. In fact, thirst is one of the first diabetes symptoms that people notice. That is why you should drink water frequently.

16. Have Your Blood Pressure Checked Regularly

Diabetics are at an increased risk for developing high blood pressure. That is why you want to make sure that you have it checked on a regular basis. If your blood pressure is always above 140/90, then you may have to take medication.

17. Keep Your Stress Under Control

Stress can raise your blood sugar. Gardening, walking, listening to music and meditating are ways that you can reduce your stress. Talking to someone about what is stressing you out can also help you control your stress.

18. No Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst habits that you can have. The nicotine in cigarettes can raise blood sugar. Smoking can also cause high blood pressure, nerve damage and heart disease.