Maintaining a blood sugar level within the recommended range can be a tough challenge. Many things can cause your blood sugar levels to change, like the food you eat and your physical activities (or lack of). Here are some some tips on better diabetes management:

See your doctor regularly

Regardless of whether you blood sugar is too high, or too low, don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor as soon as you observe fluctuations on the levels. S/he may advise you to modify your diet plan, or perhaps even modify your maintenance prescriptions, depending on the situation.

Lose excess weight

Nearly 90% of people who have type 2 diabetes are overweight. It’s important to remember that being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean that you have to succumb to a sedentary lifestyle. On the contrary, your diagnosis must be your motivation to be more active and watch what you’re eating. You don’t necessarily need a gym membership, but plan to get more active, and take advice from a doctor or dietician in terms of what you should be eating to aid weight loss and assist with diabetes management.

Eat healthily

Diet is an important aspect of controlling blood sugar for diabetics.  For many of us, a busy lifestyle hinders healthy meal choices. Find time to include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and try to steer clear from pre-packaged foods. They are generally loaded with salt and preservatives which do nothing to help you manage your blood sugar.  Quite often what’s written on a packet in a supermarket can be misleading, so a chat to your doctor or a visit to a dietician is probably a good idea to find out what really is and isn’t healthy.

Stick to your treatment schedule

Follow the diabetes management routine your doctor prescribed, take your medications on the exact schedule given to you. Stay on track with your diabetes treatment by setting an alarm for each time you need to take your insulin or pills.

Monitor your vitals frequently

Part of diabetes management is keeping a record of your blood pressure and sugar levels, especially when in stressful situations. When you’re stressed, the body produces hormones as a response, leading to a rise in blood sugar levels.

Diabetes management is easier if you know the factors that affect the rise and decline of your blood sugar and blood pressure levels. It enables you to anticipate fluctuations and plan preventive measures ahead. If you find it difficult to keep your blood sugar level in check, ask for the assistance of a diabetes clinic to give you more effective diabetes management programs.