10 common mistakes diabetes patients make
Testing blood sugar irregularly
Regular blood sugar tests can be daunting for someone newly diagnosed with diabetes. However, testing helps you identify the best choices and the next plan to action.
Being physically inactive
Diabetes medications become less effective if not accompanied with proper exercise. Experts say that physical inactivity can make blood sugar management ineffective. Some favorable exercises can include walking, biking, lifting weights, swimming, and running.
Not sleeping enough
Getting 7-8 hours of sleep is necessary for diabetes patients. Research says sleep deprivation can lead to health complications such as compromised body functioning and hormonal imbalance.
Skipping meals
Skipping meals causes your blood sugar levels to drop. Doctors advise us to eat at least four meals daily with short gaps in between. For breakfast and lunch, incorporate a balanced combination of protein and fiber. Choose nuts and fruits for your snack break and a balanced yet light meal for dinner.
Choosing the wrong drinks
Dehydration occurs frequently in diabetes patients, and they often pick the wrong drink for rehydration. Limit sodas and sweet/packaged fruit juice intake and choose a healthier option like water, fresh lemon water, fresh vegetable juices. We highly recommend carrots and cucumber juices
Not storing your medications properly
Store your medications in a cool place or as instructed by the doctor/pharmacist. Careless handling of medicines can compromise their efficacy.
Missing doctor appointments
Not getting regular checkups can lead to potential complications and risks, and only a doctor can identify underlying health issues and recommend timely solutions.
Not following prescription
Many diabetes patients do not take their medications exactly as prescribed. They could be skipping doses, forgetting daily intake, or struggle with administering the insulin independently. Consult your doctor if you have a hard time following your prescription.
Ignoring foot problems
Nerve damage is common in diabetes patients, and one of the first signs is numbness in the feet. A lot of time nerve damage can compromise the sensory capability to feel a pain, wound or cut. Always look for cuts, wounds, or blisters on your feet since they can be easily ignored and unnoticed due to nerve damage.
Avoiding carbohydrates
Cutting on carbs completely can lead to a deficiency of beneficial nutrients. take a small portion of carb in at least one meal. Consider factors like glycemic index, calories etc to choose your carb. We suggest beans, brown or semolina pasta, whole grain bread, and brown rice.
