11/06/2025
Tasty Thursday: Diet and Nutrition for those living with diabetes 📖
[Core Pillars of Diabetes Wellness]
💙 Healthy Eating: This involves making informed food choices, controlling portion sizes, and minimizing processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats. Emphasize lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables (which should fill half your plate), fruits, and whole grains. Working with a registered dietitian can help create a personalized meal plan.
💙 Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps manage blood sugar levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and aids in weight management. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking) per week and muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. Movement after meals can be particularly effective in managing blood sugar spikes.
💙 Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regularly checking and recording blood glucose levels helps you and your healthcare team understand how food, activity, and medication affect your body. This data is crucial for making necessary adjustments to your care plan.
💙 Medication Adherence: Take all prescribed medications, including insulin, if needed, exactly as directed by your healthcare provider, even when you feel well.
💙 Stress Management: High stress levels can increase blood sugar levels. Incorporate relaxation techniques into your routine, such as meditation, yoga, or hobbies you enjoy. Seek support from a mental health professional or a support group if needed.
💙 Prioritizing Sleep: Aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep can affect hunger levels and increase insulin resistance, making blood sugar management more difficult.
💙 Regular Healthcare Check-ups: See your diabetes care team (primary care provider, dietitian, diabetes educator, eye doctor, dentist) regularly to monitor your A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol, and screen for potential complications early.
💙 Risk Behavior Reduction: This includes quitting smoking, which significantly increases the risk of diabetes complications, and limiting alcohol consumption to recommended guidelines.