Living with Diabetes: Monitoring Your Blood Glucose Levels & Building a Healthy Lifestyle

Diabetes develops when your blood glucose, commonly known as blood sugar, becomes too high. Blood glucose is your primary energy source, which is obtained from the foods you consume. The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that facilitates the entry of food-derived glucose into your cells for energy production. Your body occasionally produces insufficient insulin or none at all. And sometimes it doesn't use it properly. Thereafter, glucose remains in your blood circulation and doesn’t enter your cells. Over time, health issues can arise from having excess glucose in the blood. Despite the fact that there is no cure for diabetes, you can control it and keep yourself healthy. Keep reading to learn how to track your blood glucose at home with our blood glucose monitoring devices, test strips and pen needles.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 and 2, as well as gestational diabetes, are the most prevalent types of the condition.

Type 1 diabetes

If you have Type 1 diabetes, it means you are unable to manufacture insulin in your body. This is because the cells in your pancreas that make insulin are targeted and destroyed by your immune system. Type 1 diabetes is commonly diagnosed in children as well as young people, even though it can occur at any age.

Type 2 diabetes

If you are suffering from type 2 diabetes, you may have poor insulin production or usage. You can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even as an infant. But nonetheless, people who are middle-aged or older are most likely to develop this kind of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent.

Gestational diabetes

During pregnancy, gestational diabetes can develop in some women. This type of diabetes often goes away after delivery. But, if you have gestational diabetes, you have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

What's the importance of a healthy lifestyle for managing diabetes?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for managing diabetes. A healthy lifestyle can help improve blood sugar control and prevent or delay the development of complications associated with diabetes. Here are some specific ways in which a healthy lifestyle can benefit you if you have diabetes:

Managing weight

Keeping a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity. This reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Blood sugar control

Maintaining a healthy diet, regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels, and taking medications as prescribed are essential steps in keeping your blood sugar levels within the target range.

Blood pressure control

Diabetes commonly leads to complications including high blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you control blood pressure and reduce the risk of related complications.

Cholesterol management

High levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of conditions like heart disease, which is a major complication of diabetes. A healthy lifestyle can help manage cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Stress management

Stress can affect your blood sugar levels and overall health. Managing stress through relaxation techniques or other methods can help improve diabetes management.

Smoking cessation

Smoking can increase the risk of complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease and kidney damage. Quitting smoking can reduce these risks.

In general, managing diabetes requires adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques. By doing so, you not only manage your condition but also reduce the risk of related complications. Furthermore, staying physically active can help regulate blood sugar levels, while a balanced diet can provide the necessary nutrients and prevent sudden blood sugar spikes. In addition, managing stress through techniques such as meditation or yoga can reduce cortisol levels and prevent fluctuations in blood sugar.

Blood glucose monitoring at home

Shop online at Chemist.net for blood glucose monitoring devices to help you keep track of your glucose levels.

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This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Pharmacy Mentor.