Living with Diabetes: What You Need to Know

When it comes to women’s health, diabetes is an important issue. Not only does this illness seem to have more severe complications among women, but it can also affect female issues like pregnancy, nursing and more.

And since so many women suffer from the effects of this disease, learning how to prevent and address its symptoms is essential to health and quality of life. Thankfully, there are lots of ways women with diabetes can protect and improve their overall health. Keep reading to find out how.

living with diabetesDiet

For women with diabetes, diet is a major component of effective self-care. However, getting the proper nutrition can be extremely difficult, especially given the restrictions associated with diabetes treatment. The following tips can help you stick to a healthy, diabetic-friendly diet, without feeling like you’re completely restricted:

Don’t Think of it as ‘Dieting’

When we think of healthy meal planning as “dieting,” we tend to think we’re depriving ourselves of the foods we love. Think of your new plan as a healthy, enjoyable way to nourish your body and make the most out of life.

Variety is Key

A balanced, healthy diet consists of foods of all different colors and textures. Try exotic fruits and vegetables, and consider experimenting with different types of cuisines and cooking styles.

Don’t Skip Meals

While skipping meals may seem like an effective weight loss tool, it can actually spell disaster for blood sugar levels. Plus, skipping meals increases the odds of overeating or binging on unhealthy foods. Avoid these effects by filling up on low-sugar, low-carb meals and protein-packed snacks throughout your day.

Preventing Complications

Diabetes is associated with a number harmful complications to health and wellness. For example, problems with the feet are extremely common among patients with diabetes, and are caused by nerve damage due to poor circulation. In fact, in severe cases, these complications can lead to amputation and decreased mobility, as well as an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.

To prevent complications associated with poor circulation, women with diabetes should take measures to enhance healthy blood flow throughout the entire body. To boost circulation, keep the following points in mind.

Use Compression Hosiery

Diabetic socks can promote healthy circulation in the legs and feet, where the risk of complications is most prominent. Plus, compression socks and hosiery can reduce rubbing and friction against the feet, which can prevent the development of slow-healing blisters and sores.

Exercise

Regular physical activity can do wonders for the circulatory system, not to mention promote healthy weight loss. Beginners should stick to moderate, low-impact workouts like walking, swimming, and other activities that don’t place undue stress on the joints. Also, yoga is great for healthy circulation, as it gets the blood moving throughout the body in all directions.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can have an enormous impact on circulation. Keep your blood moving by getting at least eight glasses of water a day (no sugary beverages or artificial sweeteners).

Lifestyle Choices

Since diabetes affects the body as a whole, making healthier lifestyle choices is essential to preventing complications and enhancing overall health. The following lifestyle choices can help reduce the risks associated with this disease, as well as improve virtually every area of health and wellness:

Stop Smoking

Protect your heart and stop now. No exceptions.

No Drinking in Excess

Alcohol can increase the risks associated with diabetes, so it should be avoided whenever possible. When alcohol is consumed, fruity, sugary and high-carb beverages should always be avoided.

Be Active

Even if you exercise, sitting for long periods throughout the day can lead to complications. To reduce these risks, be sure to get up and stretch or move around the room every so often.

Although diabetes is a serious disease with far-reaching complications, women with this illness can lead healthy, active lifestyles. With the tips provided here, the risks associated with diabetes are reduced, and health and quality of life are significantly improved.