Diabetes is an extremely serious, potentially life-threatening disease that afflicts millions of people from all over the world. The good news is that if diabetes is managed properly it is possible to live a long, happy and fulfilling life in spite of having the disease. The key word to remember is “manage.” Although there is no cure for diabetes and it is a chronic, life-long condition, there are treatments available that allow diabetics to manage their illness and protect their health. If you have diabetes, it is crucial that you learn to take proper care of your health and well-being. Refusing to exercise, being overweight and eating junk food will negatively impact your diabetes and will increase the likelihood that you will be forced to deal with complications and worsening symptoms related to your disease. It is paramount to take care of your health if you are diabetic. This article is packed with healthy living tips that will help you feel great despite your diabetes diagnosis.
Eat a healthy diet. As a diabetic it is critical that you eat a healthy diet. Eating sugary junk foods will spike your insulin levels and worsen your diabetes. Eating high fat foods loaded with empty calories will cause you to gain excess body fat. Carrying a high amount of body fat will exacerbate your diabetes symptoms. Eat a diet that is high in lean proteins, such as chicken breast. Consume large amounts of vegetables and slow-digesting whole grain carbohydrates. Get unsaturated fat from nuts and fatty fish. You must avoid drinking sugary colas and fruit juices at all costs. You should also stop drinking alcohol. By eating a healthy diet you will feel great and your diabetes complications will improve.
Along with eating a nutritious diet, it is important for you to engage in regular exercise. Try to perform some type of aerobic exercise five days per week. If you are currently out of shape, start out by simply going for short walks around the block. As your fitness improves you can go for longer and longer walks. The key to sticking to an exercise program is finding an exercise that you enjoy. Team sports leagues, dance classes, and group fitness classes are all good exercise options.
Along with regular aerobic exercise, make an effort to perform one or two strength training workouts each week. Resistance training will maintain your strength levels and help to boost your metabolism.
Although taking care of your physical health is vitally important, do not neglect to care for your mental well-being. Stress can have a profoundly negative impact on all areas of health. It is important that, as a diabetic, you learn to effectively manage your stress. Engage in stress-busting activities such as yoga or meditation. Sit in a sauna, get a massage or take a nice, hot, relaxing bath. If you are stressed-out due to your diabetes and feeling high levels of anxiety, you may want to meet with a counselor to see if he or she can help you to improve your outlook.
It is possible to be healthy in spite of a diabetes diagnosis. Follow the healthy living tips contained in this article, and start improving yourself today.
