Avoid These 7 Mistakes For Better Diabetes Control

Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body’s glucose levels rise due to insulin resistance (a hormone responsible for allowing the body to use glucose for energy). Diabetes affects millions of people around the world and often requires proper management. Diet and lifestyle changes are the most effective ways to keep the sugar levels under control in addition to seeking timely treatment. However, it is essential to avoid certain mistakes, which can significantly help control the condition and reduce the risk of other life-threatening issues.

So, let’s get to know some of the common negligencies that patients often overlook while taking measures to keep diabetes under check.

Diabetes: Mistakes to Avoid for Better Management

A well-known diabetes doctor in Kolkata, Dr. Amitabha Saha, explained the pitfalls to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.

• Neglecting routine checkups: Ignoring routine checkups of your blood sugar level at regular intervals or skipping doctor’s appointments is one of the blunders patients make. Taking note of your sugar levels helps the doctor monitor the severity of your condition and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
• Ignoring the recommended diet: Diet is one of the crucial factors in the management of diabetes. Consumption of sugary items, saturated fats and carbohydrates results in fluctuations in blood sugar levels. You need to be mindful of the type of food and the proportions you are eating. Try to include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes and nuts. Make sure to eat in limited amounts to avoid excessive calorie intake.
• Skipping or mistiming medicines: Besides skipping medicines, having the prescribed drugs at the wrong time is another common mistake patients make, stated Dr. Amitabha Saha, a trusted diabetes doctor in Kolkata. To keep diabetes under check, Dr. Saha advises patients to take the prescribed medicines as instructed. Keep in mind not to alter the medications or engage in self-medication; otherwise, it will lead to further complications.
• Inadequate sleep: Poor sleep affects insulin sensitivity. Sleep at least for 8 hours a day to control blood sugar levels. It will also lead to less fatigue and stress to give you more energy and an overall mindset to be physically active and manage the condition.
• Living a sedentary lifestyle: Sitting for long hours or living an unhealthy life without engaging in any exercise is associated with various metabolic syndromes. It also brings about major changes in the body composition, leading to elevated blood sugar, pressure and the risk of heart disease. So, make sure to do at least 30 minutes of indoor or outdoor exercises every day for your overall wellness.
• Too much stress: Stress is the leading cause of depression and anxiety which causes hormonal imbalance and makes it harder for the insulin to function properly, which results in unpredictable spikes in blood sugar levels.
• Neglecting foot care: Foot problems like fungal infections and ulcers are common in patients with diabetes. If you are experiencing these issues, get them checked by your doctor immediately; otherwise, long-term damage like loss of feeling in the feet. Also, wear specialised shoes, wash your feet and trim your nails regularly to keep them healthy.

Final Words

Controlling diabetes needs proper care and management. Remember, what worked for another individual might not work for you to control the condition. Hence, consult an experienced diabetes doctor in Kolkata like Dr. Amitabha Saha to get a personalised treatment plan.