How to Not Miss a Beat When You Suddenly Become Diabetic

 

Receiving the news that you have diabetes can feel like having the rug pulled out from under you. But with the proper approach and mindset, managing this lifestyle change seamlessly should not disrupt or derail your enjoyment of life to any great degree.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

Wake Up and Smell the Insulin

At first, it's important to recognize that diabetes isn't a life sentence, rather, it's simply the start of something new. Begin your journey by becoming educated on its different types, causes and treatments available, because knowledge is power. Your healthcare provider should become your new best ally. Make sure to ask any and all questions no matter how trivial they may seem. Over time you will become adept in understanding why insulin may be playing hide and seek within your pancreas.

Food for Thought

Diet plays an important part in managing diabetes. This doesn't have to mean deprivation, smart choices are all that's required. Focus on eating a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats while learning about carbohydrate counting and glycemic indexes. Meal prepping will save time while helping ensure you can control what you eat. Don't forget to enjoy every bite, meals should be an enjoyable part of life not a burdensome chore. Try new recipes or flavors to keep things interesting.

Travel: Pack Your Insulin Case

Traveling with diabetes may initially appear scary, but with careful preparation it can become an enjoyable experience. Start by compiling a checklist of all of the diabetic supplies you will require, including insulin, syringes, glucose meters, test strips and any medications you are currently taking. Keep insulin cool with an insulated travel case or portable cooler for flights or traveling in hot climates. Always carry a letter from your healthcare provider detailing your condition and medications, which will make going through security checkpoints much smoother. Be sure to bring extra supplies from a medical supply store near me in case delays or lost luggage happen, so you can focus on enjoying all that awaits. With some prepping work under your belt, the journey ahead should go without a hitch.

Monitoring: Your New Mantra

Regular blood sugar monitoring should become part of your lifestyle. While at first it might feel tedious, soon it will become second nature. Keep a log of readings and the ways different activities and foods affect them to help create a personalized management plan with your healthcare provider. Take advantage of technology with apps available that simplify this process. The more detailed, the better it works out.

Stress Is an Underlying Cause of Blood Sugar Problems 

Stress can have an enormously damaging impact on blood sugar levels, so it's important to manage it effectively. Consider activities such as yoga, meditation, reading or taking a long bubble bath as ways to relax. Incorporating stress management strategies as part of overall insulin management strategies may prove even more effective.

Conclusion

Being diagnosed with diabetes is like entering a whole new rhythm of life. Although you will require a few adjustments, that doesn't have to mean giving up on enjoying dancing. With awareness, diet, exercise, monitoring and stress management strategies in place you can keep spinning through life without missing a beat.

| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |