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Manage your blood sugar better with these 10 easy tips

Written by Editorial Team | Updated : February 3, 2015 6:22 PM IST

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Wp Content/uploads/2016/04/eat Regular Meals

Have at least three meals at about the same time everyday. Eating every four to five hours can help control blood sugar. Always carry with you some type of carbohydrate food or drink that has 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrate which you can use in case of emergency (low glucose level).

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Wp Content/uploads/2016/04/monitor Your Blood Glucose

Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly also helps you control your blood sugar levels. It gives you an exact idea of how your levels fluctuate and hence enables you to maintain diabetes better. Nowadays monitoring blood glucose levels is easy and cost effective with electronic devices that you can use at home!

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Wp Content/uploads/2016/04/eat A Variety Of Foods

Choose foods that fulfill your body’s nutritional needs. Eat less fat, less sugar and less salt. Avoid fried foods. Baked, boiled or steamed foods are healthier to eat. Avoid red meat. Have low fat dairy products. Eat more high-fiber foods, like vegetables, fruit and whole grain breads and cereals. Also Read - 7 Out Of Every 10 Urban Indians Experience Digestive Issues: Survey

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Wp Content/uploads/2016/04/get An A1c Test Done

This helps assess your diabetes control for the past few months by basically measuring the amount of glucose that has been sticking to your red blood cells. Each red blood cell is replaced by a new one every 3 to 4 months. Hence, this test tells you how high the glucose levels have been during the life of the cells. Your aim is to keep your A1C around 6-7%. If most of your recent blood glucose readings have been near normal (70 to 140mg/dL), the A1C test will be near normal (about 6-7%). Many readings above normal will make your A1C test read higher.

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Wp Content/uploads/2016/04/avoid Alcohol And Smoking

They can cause health problems, especially if you are diabetic. Alcohol adds calories without giving you any nutrition. Drinking alcohol may cross-react with the medicines for diabetes and cause problems. Your blood glucose can also go down drastically if you drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Also Read - Irritable Bowel Syndrome And Mental Disorders: Studies Find A Connection

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Wp Content/uploads/2016/04/be Active

Physical activity keeps you fit and helps you control your blood glucose and weight. It can help prevent heart and blood flow problems. It helps you lose weight.

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Wp Content/uploads/2016/04/keep A Check On Your Blood Pressure

Have your blood pressure checked two to four times a year and cholesterol checked (fasting lipid profile) at least once every year. If you have diabetes, you are at a greater risk of developing high blood pressure , which can lead to other serious conditions. Also Read - 8 Common Health Problems Seen In Women: Early Signs To Watch Out For

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Wp Content/uploads/2016/04/take Care Of Your Feet

Nerve damage and poor circulation are common complications of diabetes. This makes foot problems common among diabetics. Check them every day for signs of injury and infection. Avoid walking barefoot to reduce the risk of injury. Trim your toenails straight across to help prevent ingrown nails. Keep your feet warm at all times.

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Wp Content/uploads/2016/04/get Your Eyes Examined

Prolonged and inadequate blood glucose control can damage and weaken the small blood vessels in the retina (innermost layer) of the eye; a condition called diabetic retinopathy. It can cause blurred vision, double vision and a severe, permanent loss of vision. It also increases the risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma. Also Read - Impact Of H3N2 Influenza And Other Viral Infections On Male Fertility

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Wp Content/uploads/2016/04/live Well With Type 2 Diabetes

Controlling blood sugar levels can be tricky at times but maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, proper diet and regular glucose monitoring are a few things that can be help in controlling sugar levels and thereby preventing or worsening diseases like diabetes.