How to Lower Your Risk for Diabetes Complications

Diabetes medication can only do so much. Managing diabetes requires your daily attention and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. 

The goal of diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range. When poorly controlled, elevated blood sugar can increase your risk for diabetes complications. 

Our medical director, Dr. Andrea Bretal, at Weston Medical Health & Wellness in Weston, Florida, understands the challenges you face when managing your diabetes and the potential health risks that come with it. 

Learn how to lower your risk for diabetes complications by making a few changes to your routine.

Track your blood sugar

Regularly checking your blood sugar gives you an idea of how your routine affects your numbers. Your readings can reinforce your habits and choices or clue you in to where you need to make changes.

The frequency and timing of your blood sugar checks vary and depend on diabetes type, overall health, and lifestyle. We can talk to you about the best times to test your levels based on your individual needs.

In general, you should check your blood sugar when you first wake up, before and after meals, and before you go to sleep. You should also check your blood sugar if you're feeling shaky, weak, or dizzy — symptoms of low blood sugar.

Exercise daily

Exercise is good for your body, benefitting your heart, muscles, and bones. Heart disease is a complication of diabetes, and regular physical activity may improve heart health and lower blood pressure.

You also burn sugar when exercising, which improves blood sugar numbers. It also helps with weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight helps with diabetes management and may lower your risk for complications. 

Get on a meal routine

Nutrition is a major part of diabetes treatment. What you eat directly affects your blood sugar. But you don’t need to eat “diet” foods when you have diabetes. Though nutrition needs vary, eating a balanced diet filled with nutritious foods benefits your diabetes and your health.

However, you can improve your diabetes with a regular meal routine; eating the same amount of food at the same time every day. This helps keep energy levels even and reduces risk of blood sugar highs and lows. 

Quit smoking

Diabetes affects almost every organ in your body: heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain, to name a few. Smoking also affects almost every organ in your body. 

Smoking coupled with diabetes can do real damage to your body and increase your risk of developing other health problems. People with diabetes who smoke also have a harder time controlling their blood sugar.

If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do to lower your risk for diabetes complications. 

See your doctor

Regular visits with your primary care doctor also lower your risk for diabetes complications. We can find health problems early and create a plan to prevent or delay complications.

Taking proactive steps for managing diabetes lowers your risk for diabetes complications and improves your overall well-being.

Are you having a hard time managing your diabetes? Do you worry about diabetes complications? Give our office a call at 954-389-1800 or request an appointment online. We work with you to develop a diabetes plan that fits your life.