People with diabetes are unable to produce or properly use insulin. Without insulin, the body cannot convert sugar, starches, and other foods into energy. Fortunately, proper diabetes care can help manage your blood sugar and reduce your risk for diseases like stroke and heart disease. Excellent diabetes care includes diet, exercise, and medication.

Diet

Diet is one of the main factors influencing diabetes care and your blood sugar. Processed foods, like white bread, candy, and potato chips, lack nutritional value. These foods can be detrimental to your diabetes because they contain simple carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. Eating too many simple carbohydrates may cause a sudden spike in blood sugar. Being diabetic puts you at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke, so doctors strongly recommend that people refrain from eating foods high in saturated and trans fats. Unlike other fats, these raise your cholesterol and clog your arteries.

Rather than eating simple carbohydrates and cholesterol-raising fats, choose foods loaded with essential nutrients like complex carbohydrates and Omega-3 fatty acids. Complex carbohydrates include whole grains and vegetables, and Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in salmon, albacore tuna, and walnuts. Complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly than simple carbs, meaning they have less of an effect on your blood glucose level. Eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can undo some of the damage caused by artery-clogging fats. Making smart food choices can help manage your diabetes and prevent heart disease and stroke.

Exercise

Fitness is another important aspect in a successful diabetes care plan. Physical activity can lower your blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and burning calories. Exercise also promotes heart health by lowering blood pressure and ""bad"" LDL cholesterol.

Diabetics generally suffer from fatigue; however, exercising regularly can reduce stress and boost your energy. Fortunately, you don't have to spend hours in the gym in order to reap these health benefits. Whether you're taking an evening stroll with friends or cleaning your home, physical activity doesn't have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Fitness experts recommend 30 minutes a day of physical activity. With the help of exercise, you can ensure that your diabetes in under control.

Medication

Diabetes care is not complete without medication. Even though diet and exercise can lower your blood sugar, some diabetics still require medication. Monitoring your blood glucose will ensure that your medication is properly working. It also allows you to see how diet and exercise can affect your diabetes. Failing to take your medication may result in dangerously high blood glucose levels and other health complications. With medication and daily monitoring, you can keep track of your blood sugar throughout the day, helping you make better decisions for the future. If you are on Medicare and have diabetes, the cost of your diabetes testing supplies may be covered, whether you use insulin or not. ^[1]

An effective Diabetes care plan requires you to incorporate diet, exercise, and medication into your daily routine. Following these guidelines will make it easier for you to manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of developing other life-threatening diseases. However, consult your doctor before beginning a new diabetes management plan.