B. Lifestyle Modifications Stress Management
Managing stress is very important as increased stress levels can make your glucose levels go up. Diabetes is a disease of mind, body and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help you to control diabetes.
Coping with diabetes can be stressful. Talk to your family and close friends who can offer support and help to you. Try and keep yourself calm. Try to take deep breaths as and when possible. If you often feel stressed, you should talk to your doctor who can work out a stress management plan for you.
Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.
Exercise
Regular exercise can help you to lower your blood glucose levels, improve blood circulation, lower cholesterol, help to reduce stress and thereby, improve your physical condition.
Diet
Diet plays an important role in diabetes management as 50 per cent of the treatment is dependent on medication and the rest 50 per cent on diet, exercise and lifestyles modifications.
Eat three light meals a day with small mid meal snacks. Eat lots of vegetables, whole-wheat products, oats, brown bread etc. Take less fats especially saturated fats like ghee, butter etc. try and avoid chocolates, cakes and sweets. Avoid deep fried and greasy foods. If you are overweight, you may be asked to opt for a reduced calorie meal plan that will help you lose weight. Managing diabetes is much easier if you are not overweight.
You should always remember that diabetes cannot be cured. Doctors can help you control your ailments and help you to lead a normal life. But your visit to doctor and few investigations are must.
(The writer is chairperson of WOW India)
