Diabetes is not just a disease, but it’s the beginning of many serious diseases. If it’s not managed and controlled on time, diabetes can cause many serious complications such as nerve damage, kidney failure, and vision problems. Sometimes, vision problems become so serious that they lead to blindness.

Diabetes cannot be treated completely; it can only be controlled by making some changes in your lifestyle and taking some precautions along with the medications given by your doctor. Diabetes is something that will stay with you forever but not be harmful if you are careful. And don’t worry, you don’t have to stay at the hospital to manage your diabetes because diabetic care is possible at home. You just need to be aware of some important things required for diabetic care.

In this post, we will discuss the necessary guidelines and tips to control diabetes at home:

Eat high-fiber slow-release carbohydrates

Carbohydrate is bad for diabetes. As compared to fats and proteins, carbohydrates have more impact on blood sugars. But the problem is you cannot survive without carbohydrates. So, you should prefer high-fiber slow-release carbohydrates. You should be careful while preparing meals that include carbohydrates.

If there is fiber in your meal along with carbohydrates, the impact will be less. It will lower your cholesterol and blood pressure level, which will improve your heart health.

High-fiber slow-release carbohydrates food items include cereals and bread made from whole grains. You should choose sweet potatoes or cauliflower instead of white potatoes. And in place of white rice, you should consume brown or wild rice.

Gentle exercise is important

Diabetes doesn’t mean you are ill and have to live a sedentary lifestyle. It’s a health condition that affects how your body burns food energy. You don’t need bed rest to improve your blood sugar level; instead, you need to be physically active.

As a diabetic patient, exercise is much more important for you. It is not necessary for you to hit the gym and exercise for hours, you just need to exercise with gentle moves. You should prepare a workout schedule and follow the same.

Exercise will increase the amount of glucose used by muscles for energy and lower blood sugar levels. Also, it will help the body to use insulin more efficiently and strengthen the bones.

Identify hidden sugar in foods and avoid sweetened drinks

Some food manufacturers manipulate the consumers very easily. They don’t mention the total amount of sugar in a serving. Sometimes, they mention 0% sugar and mention different scientific names of sugar to confuse people. You should know the percentage of sugar added to the items and other ingredients. Also, you should know the names of sugar substitutes.

To control diabetes, you should stay hydrated but by drinking only plain water. If you want to give it a twist, you can squeeze a lemon or lime. But, you shouldn’t drink cold drinks, soda, or any packed sweetened drink.

Hydration is important in diabetes to reduce vasopressin hormone levels. If the vasopressin level will increase, the liver will produce more blood sugar. You should drink at least 4-5 liters of water in a day.

Lastly, one important thing is, you should measure your blood sugar regularly. Measuring your blood sugar will help you know your condition and make changes in your diabetes care plan if required. Also, you will get yourself treated on time if the blood sugar is high and save yourself from further health consequences.