5 things people with diabetes should do every morning to control blood sugar levels
Living with diabetes can make you feel overwhelmed sometimes, especially when life gets busy. Keeping blood sugar levels within the target range as much as possible is important for diabetics. Diabetes is a life-long condition, which means its care is a never-ending process. But the good news is, you can manage diabetes and cope with stress by making just a few simple lifestyle changes -such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, monitoring blood sugar, getting adequate sleep, etc. Perhaps, adopting a healthy morning routine is one of the best things you can do to stay on track and live well with diabetes.
The health benefits of sticking with a morning routine are plentiful - you’re setting your day on a healthy note, boosting your physical and mental health. And here’s a list of things that you should do first thing in the morning to make your life easier and diabetes management more successful.
A healthy morning routine for diabetes management
- Monitor your blood sugar: Checking your blood sugar first thing in the morning should be your priority when you are living with diabetes. It’s important to monitor your blood sugar level before, during and after exercise, before bedtime or driving a car - especially if you are using insulin or medications that lower blood sugar. Keeping a check on your numbers will improve your ability to manage diabetes.
- Drink water: Whether or not you have diabetes, drinking water first thing in the morning can do wonders for your health. It will help rehydrate your body and cleanse the intestine, supporting the digestive system. Water has numerous benefits, including boosting your metabolism and reducing your calorie intake, which may contribute to weight loss. Keeping a healthy weight is particularly important when you have diabetes.
- Eat a healthy breakfast: Kick-start your day with a nutritious breakfast, which can have real benefits for your blood sugar management and overall health. Eating well is a vital part of diabetes treatment and management. Research suggests that skipping breakfast, even occasionally, can raise your risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Check your feet: Diabetes can lead to foot problems over time by causing nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy- a condition most often affects the legs and feet. High blood sugar levels can injure nerves throughout the body. Diabetic neuropathy can cause a range of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet, problems with the digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. So, it’s important to take good care of your feet - look for blisters, cuts, bruises, sores and other problems every morning. Keep your feet clean and dry. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider for good foot care tips to reduce your risk of diabetic neuropathy.
- Take a walk: Starting your day with a walk can help you lower blood sugar levels, lose weight, boost your energy, improve mood, strengthen immunity and many more. Walking also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, while increasing lifespan. Regular exercise is a key component of living well with diabetes. While morning offers a great time of the day to fit in a fitness routine for many, you should consult your doctor or a certified personal trainer who can suggest a safe exercise routine that’s best for you.
Additionally, stick to your medication plan as prescribed by your physician to help manage your blood sugar levels when lifestyle changes alone aren’t sufficient to control your condition. Remember, sticking to the scheduling is crucial for controlling any health conditions and overall long-term health and well-being.