World Diabetes Day 2022: 5 Tips To Control Blood Sugar Levels

DailyDatesNG — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 11:22:54 +0000

World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14 every year to create awareness about this chronic condition.

According to the World Health Organisation, diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Over the years, a rapid increase in diabetes cases has been observed in India and worldwide. This increasing number is a cause for concern and requires urgent measures to control its impact.

If left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to some severe complications like cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

1. Check blood sugar levels regularly

The best way to understand and manage diabetes is to track it and know which foods and activities are helping the patient control their blood sugar levels.

2. Stay physically active

Being physically active can offer you several health benefits. It can help improve insulin sensitivity. Exercise will also help you stay warm in the cold weather. A good exercise routine affects your blood glucose for up to 48 hours.

3. Manage SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

SAD is a type of depression that affects individuals during the winter due to shorter days and a lack of sufficient sunlight. Symptoms include feeling anxious, irritable, fatigued, and losing interest in doing daily activities. Depression can easily interfere with diabetes management and have long-term harmful results. The best thing to do is manage depression before it strikes.

4. Take care of diabetes supplies

Supplies like insulin or non-insulin injectables can freeze and become ineffective in the cold. CGMs, meters and test strips can also be impacted by the cold; therefore, it is important to keep them in room temperature conditions.

5. Keep overindulgence airing festive season at bay

The festive season during these months also hampers diabetes management. Consumption of sweets and unhealthy food items is usually high during the festive season. This can affect blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is essential for diabetics to make right food choices.