Family Doctor 2007 - (Page 103) common conditions LIVING WITH DIABETES Living with diabetes If you have diabetes you’re at risk of developing serious health problems. But take certain measures and you can fight back to live a long and healthy life. By Karen I. Montemayor managed effectively, many of the problems caused by diabetes can be prevented or delayed. With help from your family doctor, you can take charge of your diabetes and improve your chances of living a longer, healthier life. I f you just found out you have diabetes, you may feel anxious and overwhelmed. Diabetes can lead to serious problems with your eyes, blood vessels, nerves and kidneys. But when Change for the better The goal in treating diabetes is to keep the level of sugar in your blood as close to normal as possible. You’ll need to start with some lifestyle changes: eat right, be physically active, and achieve and maintain a healthy weight. A big part of eating right is learning how your food choices affect how you feel, your blood sugar level and your overall health. There isn’t one “diabetes diet.” Your doctor may suggest that you work with a registered dietitian to help you decide what to eat for meals and snacks, and how much to have. Physical activity can help you lower your blood sugar level, control your weight and feel better about yourself. It also lowers your risk of heart disease, a common condition in people who have diabetes. Talk to your doctor about what kind of physical activity is right for you. Also, if you smoke, it’s important to quit. Smoking increases your risk of heart disease and can cause many other health problems. Ask your family doctor to help you develop a plan to stop smoking. When diet and exercise aren’t enough Regular exercise can help you lower your blood sugar level and control your weight. Sometimes diet and physical activity alone can’t keep your blood sugar levels normal. A number of oral medicines (taken by familydoctor 2007 103
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