Living with Diabetes

For many people, diabetes management is all about blood sugar. But diabetes affects much more than a number on a glucose monitor. 

What you eat for breakfast. Whether you take a walk after dinner. When to schedule that eye exam you’ve been meaning to make. For people living with diabetes, these everyday decisions matter. Over time, they can influence not only your blood sugar, but also your heart health, vision, kidney function and more. 

The good news is, you don’t have to be perfect. Small, consistent habits can help you manage diabetes, reduce the risk of complications and support your health for years to come. 

Whether you’ve been living with diabetes for years, were recently diagnosed or are looking for information to help support a loved one, focusing on a few key areas can help you better understand the condition and take steps toward healthier living. 

Know your numbers

When it comes to diabetes, numbers matter. Along with checking blood sugar, your care team may track your A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol. Together, these numbers can help show how well your diabetes is being managed. 

If you are unsure what your target numbers should be, ask your doctor. Knowing your goals can help you take a more active role in managing your health. This is important because diabetes can affect more than blood sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with diabetes are about twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke. Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range can help lower that risk. 

It’s not uncommon for people with diabetes to also have other chronic conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis. If you’re living with diabetes and an inflammatory condition it’s important to know how other drugs you take might impact your blood glucose control. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to review the drugs and supplements you use. 
 

Did You Know? 

If you receive infusion treatments for a chronic condition, you may have options that are more convenient and could cost less than getting care at an outpatient clinic. 
● Ask your doctor if receiving your infusion at a doctor’s office or at home may be right for you.
                           ● Call the number on the back of your member ID card to learn more about your benefits. 
 

Keep moving

Physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, which can lower blood sugar levels. You don’t need an intense workout routine to see the benefits. Walking, swimming, gardening, dancing and other activities you enjoy all count. 

Even just a few minutes of movement can help. In fact, research suggests that taking a walk after a meal may reduce blood sugar spikes. The key is consistency. Look for opportunities to move throughout the day and choose activities you enjoy enough to stick with long term. 

Build a balanced plate

Healthy eating is an important part of living well with diabetes. But that doesn’t mean giving up all your favorite foods. A simple place to start is the Diabetes Plate Method from the CDC. 

Fill half your plate with vegetables like broccoli, carrots or leafy greens. Fill one quarter with lean protein like fish, chicken or beans. Use the remaining quarter for foods like whole grains, sweet potatoes or brown rice. Watching portion sizes and cutting back on sugary drinks can also help keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. 

Don’t overlook sleep and stress

Many people are surprised by how much poor sleep and stress can affect overall health. It’s not just about mood or feeling tired. Both can also impact blood sugar levels and how the body functions day to day.

The Mayo Clinic notes that poor sleep can make it harder for the body to control blood sugar over time. Ongoing stress can do the same by releasing hormones that may cause blood sugar levels to rise. 

Simple ways to manage stress can help both your body and mind. Try spending more time outdoors, connecting with friends and family, practicing deep breathing or enjoying a favorite hobby. 

Stay on top of preventive care

Because diabetes can affect so many parts of the body, preventive care is key. Doctor visits and screenings can help find problems early before they get worse. In addition to checking your numbers, your care team may also suggest eye exams to watch for signs linked to diabetes.

Kidney health is another important part of diabetes care. Over time, diabetes can damage the kidneys, but blood and urine screenings can help detect any kidney problems early. It’s also important to tell your doctor about any new or unusual symptoms. Changes in vision, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and wounds that heal slowly can all be things that need attention. The earlier a problem is detected, the easier it may be to treat. 

Progress, not perfection

Managing diabetes is a lifelong journey, and no one gets it right every day. Instead of trying for perfection, focus on progress.

Taking a walk after dinner, choosing water instead of a soda or scheduling a doctor’s visit may seem like small steps. But they add up over time. The goal is not to manage diabetes perfectly, but to build habits that help you stay healthy, keep your independence and continue doing the things you enjoy for years to come.