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Living with diabetes: tips for everyday life
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
Diabetes is a common disease. However, with this diagnosis, you can lead a full life. Web2Health presents some useful tips for every day for people suffering from diabetes.
House slippers
Even if you are not used to wearing slippers at home, it is better to acquire this habit immediately. Due to decreased sensitivity of the foot, a person can get hurt and not even notice it. And at the same time as the injury, an infection can get into the wound, which will provoke complications.
Daily inspection
Examine your body daily for flaking skin and redness. Particular attention should be paid to areas under the breasts, armpits and feet - these areas become the most favorable environment for the development of bacteria. Feet should be checked for sensitivity, determining the pulsation of blood vessels.
Rescue kit at hand
Be sure to carry a few glucose drops or tablets with you. This can help in case of a hypoglycemic attack, which occurs when your blood glucose level drops below 70 mg/dL. A hypoglycemic crisis is accompanied by shaking throughout the body, nausea, and a strong feeling of hunger.
Glucometer
Sugar levels should be measured every morning after sleep and in the evening before sleep. Therefore, determine the location of the glucometer on the nightstand near the bed. In the morning, the indicators should remain within 130 mg / dL, and in the evening - 110-150 mg / dL.
Insulin
If you know that you may not have time to eat, use short-acting insulin - it will help regulate glucose levels for half an hour. It should be taken before meals.
Diet
To help you remember what is good to eat when you have diabetes, print out a list and stick it on your refrigerator. Here are the superfoods that are good to eat when you have diabetes: Citrus fruits and vegetables, berries, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, beans, sweet potatoes, whole grains, nuts, skim milk and yogurt, white tuna, salmon, herring, halibut, and mackerel. All of these foods do not raise blood sugar levels (they have a low hypoglycemic index) and are very nutritious.
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More water
Increased glucose levels cause dehydration. This causes the skin to crack, become dry and lifeless, making it easier for infection to enter. Drinking enough fluids will help combat this problem.
Physical activity
Regular exercise is a very important part of the disease control system. If you don’t have time for a full-fledged trip to the gym, then find at least 10 minutes for intensive training in the morning.
First aid kit in the house
Diabetes can turn any scratch into a serious illness. Therefore, always keep a first aid kit with hydrogen peroxide for wound disinfection, a sterile bandage and antibiotic cream within reach.
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