What does it mean to be living with diabetes — and living well? If you've been diagnosed with this condition, you might be wondering what impact it will have on other aspects of your health.
First off, having diabetes means that your blood glucose (sugar) is too high. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. The level of glucose in the blood is high for both types of diabetes, but the reasons are different. When someone has type 1 diabetes, their pancreas doesn't make insulin. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes less insulin than it used to and the body becomes insulin-resistant.
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the condition puts you at higher risk for other health problems.
There isn't a cure for diabetes, but you can try to put your type 2 diabetes in remission or simply improve your quality of life by losing weight, eating a healthy diet, being active and staying on top of your overall health.
Here's how to better manage your condition by making certain lifestyle changes for diabetes.
What to Know About a Diabetes Diagnosis
A diabetes diagnosis is a serious one, but you can still enjoy a full, healthy life. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. Over 37 million Americans have diabetes and 90% to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Given that it begins and progresses slowly, it's possible to live with type 2 diabetes for years before a diagnosis.
Your doctor will do a simple blood test to confirm the diagnosis. Or, you can get a blood test at a pharmacy and follow up with your doctor once the results are in.
If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, taking care of your body with a healthy diet and a regular exercise program are the best tools you have. Talk to your doctor about a diabetes diet as well as their suggestions on activities for you to try. They might recommend oral medication to manage blood sugar. Some doctors recommend insulin injections in combination with pills or on their own. Make sure to follow the treatment program your physician recommends.
Creating a Diabetes Management Plan
After you've been diagnosed, your doctor or healthcare team should put together a diabetes management plan that's tailored to your needs and health goals.
They might suggest diabetes medications, like oral medications or injectables, as mentioned above. They'll also make recommendations on how often you should check your blood glucose levels with a blood sugar meter throughout the day and what to do depending on the numbers.
Your healthcare team will likely recommend you get your A1C numbers checked every three to six months while living with diabetes. The hemoglobin A1C test measures the amount of glucose attached to the hemoglobin of the red blood cells. The more glucose in the blood, the higher the A1C result.
Living with diabetes also means taking good care of your oral health and getting regular checkups at the dentist. Your doctor may also talk to you about any foot health problems or changes you've experienced in sensations or appearance of the feet and whether you need to talk to a podiatrist.
A few other recommendations may include:
- Kidney tests
- Staying up to date on vaccines, such as flu, COVID-19, Tdap or Td, and pneumonia
- Cholesterol test
- Eye exam
- Hearing check
Staying on top of these appointments and any changes in your health can help prevent or delay further complications associated with diabetes.
Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels and Adjusting
Your healthcare team will go over your ideal blood glucose numbers as well as how to measure blood glucose throughout the day and on the go.
They'll make suggestions for actionable steps to take if levels are too high or too low.
High Blood Glucose (Hyperglycemia)
Symptoms of high blood glucose can vary from person to person.
When your blood glucose is high, you may experience:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
If your blood glucose is too high, consider drinking more sugar-free, caffeine-free fluids. This might be water, herbal tea or broth. Check your blood glucose more often. If your levels stay above 240mg/dL and you have symptoms of ketones in the urine, make sure to see your doctor.
Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)
Your blood glucose can go too low when taking insulin or medications that cause the pancreas to make more insulin. A blood glucose less than 70 mg/dl is low for most people with diabetes. For others, any blood glucose less than their target range is too low.
When your blood glucose is low, you may experience:
- Shakiness
- Nervousness or anxiousness
- Increased sweating
- Dizziness
- Hunger
- Weakness
- Rapid heart rate
If blood glucose is too low, eat or drink a carbohydrate source (about 15-20 grams of carbohydrate at a time). This could be glucose tablets or gel, taken according to package instructions; 1 cup fat-free or low-fat milk; or 4 ounces of juice.
Lifestyle Changes for Diabetes
Talk to your diabetes management team about their suggestions on how you can keep blood glucose levels steady and support your health.
1. Build Your Best Diabetes Diet
By counting carbohydrates and learning about different types of carbs, you will learn how the foods you eat can impact your blood glucose control. Plan meals and snacks with the same amount of carbohydrates each day for a consistent supply of glucose.
2. Get Moving
Exercise is an important part of your diabetes treatment plan. It can reduce blood sugar, help insulin work better and may reduce the amount of insulin and medicine you need to take. Talk to your doctor for their recommendations.
3. Cut Out or Reduce Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can affect diabetes and blood glucose levels by causing blood glucose to go too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). Further, according to The American Diabetes Association, "Because many of the symptoms of hypoglycemia — such as slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty walking — are also symptoms of being drunk, it can be difficult to tell the two apart."
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking can increase the risk of having a heart attack, stroke and vascular disease. Diabetes and smoking are a dangerous mix, as many health problems from diabetes can be made worse by smoking. It can be challenging to quit, but it might be the best move you make for your overall health.
5. Manage Stress
Too much stress impacts your physical, mental and emotional health. It can also have a real effect on your diabetes management. Try meditation, breathing techniques, yoga or simply going on a walk with a friend to better manage your stress levels.
Get Support for Living With Diabetes
A diabetes diagnosis can be upsetting news for most patients. Changing up your diet, monitoring glucose and avoiding certain foods and drinks to stay healthy can drum up feelings of sadness and stress. In fact, people living with diabetes are at an increased risk of depression and anxiety, according to Mental Health America.
Because of this, it's essential that you build up a support system of trusted family members and friends. You may also consider seeing a mental health professional who specializes in similar health issues. It could be beneficial to participate in a diabetes self-management education and support program shortly after you've been diagnosed. Check out support groups offered online, or explore ones in the area like the University of Washington's support groups and classes for people living with diabetes.
How to Prevent Diabetes Complications
When diabetes isn't managed properly, it can set the stage for other health issues, like heart health problems, vascular issues (which can impact foot health and eye health), and dental health. So, make sure to do the following:
- Attend all healthcare appointments, as planned.
- Regularly monitor blood glucose and adjust your food, exercise and stress levels accordingly.
- Create a sick day plan to prepare for when you aren't feeling well.
Managing diabetes isn't a quick fix. Taking medication doesn't replace a healthy diet or your need to exercise. Work with your healthcare team to create a long-term vision, set short-term and long-term health goals, and identify daily habits you can build on.
Take Control and Seek Help
Once you've been diagnosed with diabetes, let those closest to you know about your health, as well as how they can help and support you. Talk to your diabetes healthcare team to learn tips on how to eat healthier, incorporate more activity in your day and gather any beginner's information you'll need as you embark on your journey to living fully with diabetes.
These articles are intended for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in these articles. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication regimen.