/assets/images/provider/photos/2791105.jpeg)
If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes, you’re probably wondering what changes you’ll need to make in your life. Here are five specific things that will be different. Keep reading to get started!
We’re going to be straightforward here: if you’re diagnosed with diabetes, your life will change — sometimes drastically.
We don’t say this to scare you, but to prepare you for what’s ahead. Diabetes is a disease that you develop when your blood sugar (glucose) becomes too high because your body isn’t producing or using insulin correctly. Insulin is a hormone that helps convert glucose to energy by moving it to your cells.
If you don’t have enough insulin, your blood sugar levels will spike, causing many additional health problems, some of which can be life-threatening.
You’re not alone in facing diabetes. Around 38 million people in the United States have diabetes, and almost 9 million of them haven’t even officially been diagnosed. For all of them, life will change. Here are five ways that will happen — and our team at Primora Primary Care can help you through each one.
1. You’ll need help
Every patient is unique, so there’s not one exact plan for everyone who has diabetes to follow. You’ll need the guidance of an experienced medical team like our team at Primora, led by Dr. Varun Kommalapati.
Based on the severity of your symptoms, we’ll recommend lifestyle changes and medications if needed, and we’ll check in with you frequently to see what adjustments need to be made as you live with this disease.
2. Your diet will change
One of the biggest changes you’ll have to make will be in your diet. The food you eat has a direct impact on your blood sugar levels, so you’ll need to be much more conscious of your food intake.
Carbohydrates increase your blood sugar levels, so eat small portions when it comes to carbohydrates such as bread and pasta. Focus more on lean proteins, healthy fats, and high-fiber fruits and vegetables. Skip the low-nutrient processed food as well.
Here are a few resources to help you with meal planning as a diabetic.
3. You’ll exercise more
Along with a healthy diet comes a regular exercise routine. Physical activity helps lower your blood sugar and stress and increase your energy levels. The American Diabetic Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week. This may seem like a lot, but you can start small and work your way up.
Better diet and exercise will have the added benefit of helping you lose weight, which can improve your diabetes as well. If you’re overweight, even 10 pounds makes a big difference, so don’t be afraid to get started.
4. You’ll monitor often
One of the most important things to do is build a new habit of checking your blood sugar levels — you can easily do this at home with a blood sugar monitor. This will help you identify glucose dips and spikes and learn what affects your levels. You’ll also want to make sure you measure your levels to keep them from being too high on a consistent basis.
5. Your overall health will improve
All these changes you’re making will have the effect of improving your overall health. Your risk of diabetes complications will decrease, your weight will drop, your energy levels will increase, and even your stress levels and mental health can improve. The key is staying consistent and continuing to work at your new habits each day.
If you would like help navigating your diabetes diagnosis, our caring, experienced team at Primora Primary Care is here for you. To schedule an appointment, just call our Bridgeville office at 412-475-9889. Let us help change your life for the better!