Managing Life After a Diabetes Diagnosis: Key Steps for Your Health
Being diagnosed with diabetes can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, you can manage it effectively and continue to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Here are some key actions to take, along with other areas of your health to monitor for preventing complications.
1. Understand Your Diagnosis and Create a Management Plan
The first step after a diagnosis is to work closely with your healthcare team to understand your specific type of diabetes and develop a management plan. Most older adults are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which means your body struggles to use insulin effectively.
Management of type 2 diabetes is often successful with a combination of lifestyle changes, regular monitoring and medication. Your doctor can guide you on monitoring your blood sugar levels and may suggest ways to incorporate exercise and dietary changes into your daily routine. Keeping your blood sugar levels stable will reduce the risk of complications over time.
2. Build a Balanced Diet
Diet plays a major role in managing diabetes. Focus on creating balanced meals with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats and plenty of vegetables. Foods with fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes, help slow the absorption of sugar, making it easier to control blood glucose levels.
If you’re struggling to figure out what your diet should look like, meeting with a dietitian who specializes in diabetes can be beneficial—they can help you make a meal plan that suits your tastes, lifestyle and budget.
3. Prioritize Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is an excellent way to manage blood sugar levels, support heart health and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day, such as walking, swimming or gentle cycling. Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively, making it easier to keep blood glucose levels in check. If mobility is an issue, chair exercises or short walks can still make a significant difference.
4. Monitor Your Blood Sugar
Depending on your doctor’s recommendations, you may need to check your blood sugar daily or several times a week. Tracking your glucose levels helps you understand how your body responds to food, medications and physical activity, allowing for better overall control. If you’re unsure about testing, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to show you how.
5. Watch for Warning Signs and Avoid Complications
Diabetes can increase the risk of other health issues, so it’s important to monitor and manage these areas:
- Heart Health: Diabetes raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. Regularly check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and aim to keep them within recommended ranges. Eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active and avoiding smoking can reduce your risks.
- Eye Health: High blood sugar can lead to eye issues like glaucoma and cataracts. Schedule annual eye exams with a specialist who understands diabetes-related eye health to catch and treat problems early.
- Foot Health: Diabetes can cause poor circulation and nerve damage, leading to foot problems. Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters or redness, and keep them clean and dry. Wear comfortable shoes and report any unusual signs to your doctor, as untreated foot issues can lead to serious complications.
- Kidney Health: Diabetes can affect your kidneys over time, potentially leading to kidney disease. Regular blood and urine tests can help track kidney function, allowing for early intervention if needed. Staying hydrated and maintaining healthy blood pressure are also essential for kidney health.
6. Keep Up with Routine Health Appointments
Frequent check-ins with your healthcare team can help you stay on track. These appointments allow for adjustments to medications or lifestyle recommendations as needed. Your team will monitor your A1C (average blood sugar over the past three months), blood pressure, cholesterol, and other health indicators critical for long-term diabetes management.