What You Need To Know To Manage Your Diabetes
Dec 21, 2021
Rios Healthcare Associates is here for you if you need help managing your diabetes. Dr. Tomas Rios and Dr. Nicolin Neal provide comprehensive and compassionate care for patients with diabetes in Houston, TX.
Insulin is a hormone that delivers sugar to your body's cells. With type 1 diabetes your body stops making insulin, and with type 2 diabetes your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use the insulin it makes. In either case, it causes sugar to build up in the bloodstream. There is no cure for diabetes, but you can live a normal life when you keep your blood sugar under control.
A sensible diet and regular activity are always recommended to control your weight, but your diet is especially important when managing diabetes. The biggest risk factor for diabetes is being overweight or obese. You want to avoid sweets and simple carbohydrates that make your blood sugar spike and crash. Get your carbohydrates from whole grains and make sure you eat enough fruits and vegetables.
Regular activity helps lower your blood sugar, your blood pressure, your cholesterol, and even makes the insulin you have work better. Exercise can also help manage the stress that comes along with having a chronic condition. It's important to have some activity every day, and it's okay to start small if you need to work up to a regular exercise routine! Make sure you keep a snack handy when you are doing physical activity in case you exhibit signs of low blood sugar.
Keeping your blood sugar under control helps to prevent complications when you have diabetes. Talk with your doctor about what a healthy range is, and test your blood sugar often. Checking your blood sugar often will help you learn how your body reacts to different foods and when you need insulin.
Even when you're feeling healthy and not showing symptoms, it's important to see your doctor at least once a year about your diabetes. Dr. Tomas Rios and Dr. Nicolin Neal are here for you at Rios Healthcare Associates. Contact us for help managing your diabetes in Houston, TX, at (832) 323-9230.