A Healthier Year Is Easy As Pie

Use these pieces of the pie to help set your goals for the best diabetes control in the New Year. Each component is necessary to start the year off right and achieve your health goals for the whole year.

• Relaxation: Stress may affect your blood sugar levels, therefore I suggest these ways to help you during these times: meditating, deep breathing, visiting with friends or family, taking a long walk, or watching a funny movie.
• Support Team: Here is your “A-Team” for your diabetes management:
  • Primary doctor

  Specialists such as:

  • Endocrinologist
  • Podiatrist
  • Ophthalmologist
  • Psychologist
  • Certified Diabetes Educator
  • Dietitian
  • Nurse
  • Exercise specialist
  • Family and friends
• Exercise: Keeping active will help to lower your blood sugar and allows your body to function more efficiently. Start with 10 minutes a day and build it up. With your physician’s approval, partake in cardiovascular and strength building exercises.
• Weight Control: A healthy weight provides an optimum environment for the body. Balance out food groups by consuming high fiber carbohydrates (in moderation) + lean protein + unsaturated fats = controlled blood sugar and make your food count!
• Know Your Numbers: Watching your progress is quite motivating. Ask for a copy of your latest blood work! Important numbers to know: HbA1c Triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and Blood Pressure.
• Testing: Understand the effect of your behavior or lifestyle patterns on your blood glucose levels. Test at various times of the day and keep a log book. Note and understand the effects of food, exercise, emotions and medications on your blood sugar.
• Physician Check Ups: Be monitored by these health professionals to avoid complications and to improve your health: Primary care doctor, Podiatrist (foot care), Endocrinologist (diabetes care), Ophthalmologist (eye care), Psychologist (emotional health care) and Nephrologist (kidney care).
• Healthy Eating: Healthy food choices keeps your body strong and in balance. Increase high fiber carbohydrates, non-starchy vegetables, monounsaturated and omega 3 fats and lean protein. Decrease refined and processed carbohydrates, sweets and saturated and trans fats.