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Adjusting to Life With Diabetes
Did you just find out you have diabetes? Don’t feel alone. It’s estimated that 1.5 million people are diagnosed with diabetes every year in the United States.
Being diagnosed with diabetes is overwhelming and may trigger a roller coaster of emotions and concerns. Diabetes management requires lifestyle changes that many people fear may be too hard to make.
At Bethel Family Medicine, our health experts specialize in diagnosing and managing chronic diseases like diabetes. We understand how fearful and anxious you may feel after being told you have diabetes and how it might affect your day-to-day routine.
But having diabetes doesn’t mean you have to change how you live your life overnight. Here, we want to share some simple steps you can take that might make adjusting to life with diabetes a bit easier.
Talk to a diabetes expert
Diabetes is a serious health condition and not something we expect you to manage on your own. Before you throw away all the food in your kitchen and join the local gym, we recommend you schedule an appointment with our diabetes expert.
Yes, you need to make lifestyle adjustments to manage diabetes, but too many changes all at once may set you up for failure.
Our diabetes experts talk to you about your diagnosis and what it means. We also make suggestions on some steps you can take now to gain control over your health and your diabetes, which may include checking your blood sugar at home, drinking plenty of water, and finding healthy outlets to manage stress.
Take your medication
Not everyone with diabetes needs to take medication. However, if you do need medicine, taking it as prescribed can help you manage your diabetes without disrupting your daily routine too much.
We may prescribe oral hypoglycemics or insulin depending on the type of diabetes you have and what your blood sugar numbers look like. Our diabetes experts explain how your medication works and when you need to take it.
If you need insulin injections to manage your diabetes, we may have you come to the office a few times so we can teach you or a family member how to administer the medication.
Adjust your diet
It’s a common misconception that people with diabetes need to eat special food. But that’s not true. The “diabetes diet” is the same healthy diet recommended to everyone -- a diet comprised of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean sources of protein.
To help you learn how to make better food choices to manage your diabetes, we offer nutrition counseling. In addition to helping you eat better, we also explain how food affects your blood sugar and teach you how to create meals that keep your numbers in check.
Many people with diabetes also struggle with their weight. To help you reach your weight goals and improve your diabetes, we offer a highly structured weight-loss program that teaches you how to create healthy lifestyle habits and incorporate them into your daily routine.
Make time for exercise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all adults aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (like a brisk walk or bike ride) five days a week. This is the same amount of physical activity people with diabetes need too.
Regular physical activity lowers your blood sugar and boosts your energy. It also helps with weight management.
We know how hard it is for some people to prioritize physical activity. Maybe you don’t like working out or you don’t know where to start. We get it, which is why we’ve teamed up with Easton Fitness. Their personal trainers can design an exercise program that fits your fitness level, health needs, and lifestyle.
Adjusting to life with diabetes is easy when you have the education and support you need. Let us help you manage your diabetes. Call our office in Brockton, Massachusetts, to schedule your consultation today.
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