November is Diabetes Awareness Month. What better time to talk about some of the things you can do to help control your diabetes and avoid potential complications? If you are new to your diabetes diagnosis, remember that your local drug store in Powell, TN, is on hand to help in any way that we can, whether that means talking you through your medications, assisting with blood sugar testing, or just supporting you with lifestyle changes to help manage your condition. Let’s start with a few helpful tips to help avoid diabetes complications.
Choose Your Carbs Carefully
Contrary to popular belief, a diabetes diagnosis does not necessarily mean you must cut carbs from your diet! However, it is important to make wise choices regarding which carbs you eat. It is important to choose carbohydrates that break down slowly to provide a steady source of energy. Opt for whole grains, beans, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables. Even though it is sweet, fruit is not the enemy! It’s all about learning the right amounts of carbs to consume with each meal. Ask your local drug store in Powell, TN, for advice, or contact a registered dietitian to find the right balance for you.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
How often have you heard that eating too many sweets and other sugary foods will give you diabetes? That’s not really how it works! However, there is a grain of truth to this because being overweight can impact your body’s ability to use insulin. Losing weight is not necessarily going to cure your diabetes, but losing a few pounds is going to lower your blood sugar, improve your blood pressure, and boost your body’s ability to use insulin. Aim to burn more calories than you consume and cut out excess fat and sugar from your diet. Your local drug store in Powell, TN, can offer some advice on weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep
Did you know that sleeping too much or not enough can increase your appetite and your cravings for foods that are high in carbohydrates? This can not only lead to weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease, but it can also play havoc on your blood sugar. Aim for between seven and eight hours of sleep. Ask your local drug store in Powell, TN, for over-the-counter sleep aids if you are experiencing difficulty getting to sleep.
Exercise Regularly
Try to achieve around 30 minutes of exercise every day. This doesn’t need to be hitting the gym or going for a run! Choose an activity you enjoy, and you will be more likely to stick to it. Dancing, cycling, walking, or even just marching on the spot while you wash the dishes or watch television will work. As long as your heart rate is elevated, you will see the benefits. It has been proven that daily exercise can reduce cardiovascular risk, improve blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. Some people even find that it helps them to cut down on the amount of diabetes medication they need to take.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar
When you have diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar is an essential part of managing your condition. It may be tempting to skip it from time to time, but it really isn’t a good idea to do so. Monitoring your blood sugar levels can help you to evaluate your treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments. It also helps you to see how certain foods or exercise is impacting your glucose level. If you need support with monitoring your blood sugar, talk to a pharmacist at your local drug store in Powell, TN.
Reduce Your Salt Intake
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, reducing your salt intake is a good idea. This can help to lower your blood pressure and protect your kidneys from potential damage. Unfortunately, just refraining from adding salt to your plate is not enough, as most of the salt in the average American’s diet is from processed foods. Try to avoid these where possible and choose fresh ingredients instead. As a general rule, an adult with diabetes should have less than 2300 mgs of salt per day, although your doctor may recommend even less depending on the severity of your condition.
Be Kind to Your Feet
Diabetes can increase the risk of infections and slow down the healing process. Even a small cut or scrape can become an issue, especially on your feet. Make sure you check your feet frequently for blisters, cuts, sores, or swelling. Clean any wounds carefully and apply antibiotic cream before covering them with a sterile bandage. If there is no improvement in a few days, it is best to consult your doctor or even talk to your local drug store in Powell, TN.
These are just a few tips that can help you avoid some of the complications that often come along with a diabetes diagnosis. If you need help managing your condition, don’t forget that the pharmacists at your local drug store in Powell, TN, are available to offer advice and support.
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
—
Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581