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Control Your Diabetes With These Tips

If you have diabetes, you know the importance of controlling blood glucose levels. Letting your blood sugar fluctuate can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney problems and stroke. However, there things you can do to control your diabetes. Below are a few tips that can help you achieve this goal:

Be Consistent With Meals

Inconsistent eating is one of the biggest ways to throw your blood sugar levels into a tailspin. Many people skip breakfast, which leads to glucose levels rising or falling sharply after long periods of fasting while you are asleep. This is because your body uses glucose stored in the liver for fuel when food is not available. If your liver releases too much glucose during this time, your levels will be unstable. Eating in an inconsistent manner may also lead to overeating late in the day, which may cause weight gain.

Make Exercise Part Of Your Life

Regular exercise has a variety of health benefits, all of which will help control your diabetes. Being active will reduce your blood pressure, keep your weight within normal limits and reduce your stress level. All of these things go hand-in-hand with controlling your diabetes and overall health. You don’t have to have an intense workout routine to reap these benefits. Doctors recommend moderate exercise most days of the week for optimal health.

Keep Your Heart Healthy

People who have diabetes are at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It is essential that you take steps to keep your heart healthy. Some things you can do include quitting smoking, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and keep your blood pressure within normal limits. Eating a diet rich in healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and lean protein will promote heart health along with exercise.

Manage Your Stress Levels

Stress is something that can keep you from controlling your diabetes. It can also keep you from making the extra effort to change your lifestyle in a positive way. Examine your life to determine the areas that cause your stress level to rise. It is important to take some time out for fun on occasion. Getting plenty of sleep is also a key factor in stress management. If you feel depressed or overwhelmed, it may be time to talk to a professional who can help.Some signs of depression include difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, fatigue, overeating and lack of interest in things you typically enjoy.