Diabetes Management in Newtown, PA

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, there are several things you can do to manage your condition and prevent it from worsening. Some of the self-care tips you should follow if you have diabetes include:

• Test your blood sugar often – Keeping a close eye on your blood sugar allows you to understand how meals, exercise, and medications affect it.
• Focus on healthy eating – It’s important to take the time to cook nutritious meals with fresh ingredients. You should plan your meals around fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Get physically active – By finding activities that you enjoy, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, you can stay motivated to get physically active. You should get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
• Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor – It’s essential to take your medications exactly as instructed by your doctor, whether you are prescribed insulin or oral medications. In addition, you should see your doctor regularly for support in managing your condition and to reduce the risk of complications, such as nerve or kidney damage.

If you have certain symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare professional promptly to have your blood sugar tested. Symptoms that could indicate diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic fatigue

In addition, people who have type 1 diabetes may also experience stomach problems, such as nausea or vomiting. The symptoms of this type of diabetes can develop in a few weeks or months and become severe. In contrast, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes typically take several years to develop and are often harder to spot.

Following a good diabetic diet, also known as a healthy eating plan, means eating nutritious foods and sticking to regular meal times. It’s best to opt for foods that are naturally rich in nutrients, such as fruits and vegetables, and keep a close eye on your calorie, sugar, carbohydrate, and fat intake. You should incorporate foods from each food group to ensure your diet is balanced.

A fiber-rich diet is optimal for people who have diabetes, so it’s recommended that you incorporate whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables into your diet. You should avoid excess saturated or trans fats, sodium, and cholesterol if you have diabetes. In addition, you should opt for ‘good’ fats, such as avocados and nuts, to lower your cholesterol levels. 

By working with a healthcare provider at Primary Prevention Center, you can gain insight into how to create a healthy eating plan that works well for you. This will help you keep up with nutritious eating habits, stay consistent with meal times, and avoid hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. If you have type 2 diabetes, a healthy eating plan can help you achieve and maintain weight loss, which makes it easier to regulate blood sugar and reduces the risk of complications.

There is no single exercise that is considered to be ‘best’ for patients with diabetes. If you have diabetes, it’s crucial to prioritize regular physical activity, whether you like to cycle, go for a swim, or join an aerobic dance class. The most important thing is to find a form of physical exercise that you enjoy and can stick with consistently. Some of the activities you can add to your exercise routine include:

• Brisk walking
• Running
• Weightlifting
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Water aerobics
• Aerobic dance
• Pilates

In addition to these activities, you can join a recreational team sport to stay motivated, such as badminton, soccer, pickleball, or frisbee. Trying different types of physical activities will keep your routine exciting and improve various aspects of your fitness, such as stamina, strength, flexibility, and balance. 

Before you start a new exercise program, you should speak with a nurse practitioner exercise physiologist at Primary Prevention Center. If you have diabetes and want to learn how to manage your condition and improve your wellness, the experts at Primary Prevention Center in Newtown, PA, are here to provide comprehensive treatment and support. For more information contact us or request an appointment online. We are located at 638 Newtown-Yardley Road Suite 2G Newtown, PA 18940. We serve patients from Newtown PA, Richboro PA, Newtown Grant PA, Churchville PA, Woodbourne PA, Yardley PA, Langhorne PA, and surrounding areas.