HEALTH ++ WELLNESS WELLNESS HEALTH
10
Simple Strategies for Better Glucose Control
story by Kitty Finklea, RD, AFAA-CP, Registered Dietitian, HopeHealth
For most, eating is not very complicated, but for the more than 34 million people living with diabetes, there is much more to think about. Every meal impacts glucose levels in the blood and, if not monitored and controlled, can adversely affect their health. You see when we eat, glucose levels increase to provide energy to the cells in the body, however, for people with diabetes, there isn’t enough insulin or the insulin isn’t working properly to keep glucose in a healthy range. Ideally, a pre-meal glucose goal is in the 80-130mg/ dl range and the post-meal goal is less than 180mg/dl.
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Here are 10 tips to help control glucose levels: 1
Take diabetes medications as directed. Make a schedule and don’t skip doses. Talk to your provider if you’re having problems, as there are lots of options for different diabetes medications. Schedule work breaks to accommodate your needs.
2 Test your glucose daily. Knowledge is power! You can use a blood sugar meter, or talk to your provider to see if you are eligible for a continuous glucose monitor. It is also important to talk to your provider about how often to check your glucose levels. 3
Eat on a schedule. Regular meals and snacks will help keep glucose levels steady. Set a timer to keep you on track, and keep healthy snacks on hand at work.
For those with diabetes, why is keeping glucose/blood sugar from going too high important?
4 Keep carb intake consistent. Carbohydrates fuel the body by raising glucose. Aim for 30-60 grams of carbs per meal to keep glucose levels from getting too high.
Keeping glucose from going too high helps prevent long-term complications such as strokes, neuropathy, heart, kidney, and eye disease. Plus, people feel better physically when blood sugars are in a healthier range.
5 Have a plan when dining out. It’s easy to eat too many carbs when dining out. Review the menu ahead of time and have go-to choices at restaurants you frequent. Go to lunch with coworkers who also enjoy healthier options and ask about their recommendations.
VIPMagSC.com
November 2021
