Five Ways To Simplify Life With Diabetes

Cynthia Lopinto Feature Article Leave a comment 2,438 Views

by Tami A. Ross, RD, LD, CDE, MLDE

(NAPS)—If you or someone you care for is among the nearly 30 million Americans living with diabetes and 86 million Americans age 20 and older with prediabetes, there are a few facts you should know. Diabetes is a complex disease that can often be overwhelming, creating barriers that may prevent people from enjoying the same opportunities as everyone else.

As a certified diabetes educator, I try to take a personalized and creative approach to helping people with diabetes deal with the daily challenges of managing their disease. This includes monitoring, meal planning, exercise and weight-management programs. I also suggest innovative technologies to help the millions of Americans who use lifesaving insulin to manage their diabetes, which often requires multiple daily injections.

Here are tips to help you simplify your life:

Create a “dynamic duo” with a diabetes educator. Diabetes educators are health care professionals (including dietitians, nurses and pharmacists) with specialized training and expertise in diabetes self-management. They focus on helping people with diabetes and prediabetes stay healthy. A diabetes educator can empower you with knowledge and skills as well as practical tips and tools for day-to-day living to take care of yourself and simplify managing diabetes.

Embrace innovative technologies. Newer technologies can simplify diabetes management—whether it’s using a mobile app to track your food and count carbohydrates, an activity tracker to count how many steps you take, or a device to take insulin or another injectable diabetes medicine. For those who inject medications, for example, the BD AutoShield Duo^TM Pen Needle may be more convenient because it reduces the steps to insulin injection. The concealed needle may appeal to those who experience needle-related anxiety. Talk with your diabetes educator about which technologies may be a good fit for you.

Be in touch with your blood glucose numbers. The more often you check, the more you know about your blood glucose patterns and factors that influence them. That will help you and your diabetes health care team make diabetes management decisions. In general, the American Diabetes Association recommended blood glucose targets are 80–130 mg/dL before a meal and less than 180 mg/dL one to two hours after the start of a meal.

Eat more vegetables, one serving at a time. Not big on veggies? Try adding one serving daily to your veggie intake. Get comfortable with that, then work on adding another. Adults should aim to eat two to three cups of vegetables each day. A good rule of thumb is to try to fill half your plate with nonstarchy vegetables and go for a variety of colors to cover a variety of nutrients. For children, consult with their health care team for guidance based on age.

Move more, sit less. Physical activity plays an important role in blood glucose control, weight loss and heart health. Plus, it can improve your overall sense of well-being. Make it a point to sit no more than 90 minutes during waking hours and work up to walking 10,000 steps daily. Getting up and moving every hour is even better.

Visit www.bd.com/autoshieldduo to learn about trying the BD AutoShield Duo^TM Pen Needle and save on the co-pay. Additionally, the company provides access to Certified Diabetes Educators. You can call (844) 99-COACH Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Cynthia Lopinto

Cyn LoPinto, M.A. is a gerontologist focusing on significant issues affecting older adults and their families. Her areas of interest include lifestyle enrichment, family dynamics, and caregiver support. Cyn has worked in both the recreational and healthcare industries.