Did you just found out you have diabetes? Or have you been diagnosed with diabetes but is still unaware how to deal with it? Well, you are not alone. According to the CDC, over 29 million people in the U.S. suffer from diabetes. Of those people, 1 out of 4 do not even know they have it. Well first and foremost, at least you know you have diabetes. Secondly, it is not the end of the world. Having diabetes is not a death sentence. Here are 4 ways how to deal with diabetes.
Educate Yourself about Diabetes
Congratulations! You are educating yourself about diabetes as you read this article. Nonetheless, you have to dig deeper into the matter to really learn about the disease. Here are 3 ways how to do so:
- Take classes to learn more about living with diabetes. To find a class, check with your health care team, hospital, or area health clinic.
- Join a support group (They have support groups online and in-person)
- Read about diabetes online (In other words, read more articles on this website)
Take diabetes seriously
Some people treat diabetes like it is a mosquito bite. For instance, I heard some diabetics tell people “Their sugar is a little high” or “Their diabetes are getting on their nerves.” News flash! Diabetes is a chronic disease, not your 4-year-old nephew. While diabetes is not a death sentence, it can contribute to an early death if not taken seriously. So switch your mindset and start focusing on healthy lifestyle changes that will manage diabetes. Speaking of healthy lifestyle changes…
Eat more healthy foods
Research shows that number 1 way to combat diabetes is eating healthier foods. Yes, that means stop snacking on those mini Snicker bars at work. No, that does not mean you can’t ever have a mini Snicker bar again. One thing I hate is when health professionals tell people to “eat this, not that.” Yet, when they go home, they be gobbling on the “not that” foods. Life would be boring without enjoying your favorite foods. You should eat fruit way more often than a bag of Skittles. Nonetheless, it won’t hurt to eat Skittles or other candy every now and then. That is why I advise you to eat more healthy foods, not ONLY eat healthy foods.
Start exercise consistently
Admit it! The last time you exercised consistently, leotard pants and Jheri curls was in-style. Besides eating healthy foods, the only way you effectively deal with diabetes is with consistent exercise. Emphasize on consistent exercise (i.e., exercising for one month for your New Year’s resolution every year don’t count).
Those 4 ways will effectively help you deal with diabetes. Remember, diabetes is not a death sentence. You have the power to overcome this disease.
