For those who have diabetes, some daily routines which improve blood sugar control and overall health are important to establish. 
  
  

 
Eating well with diabetes means selecting a variety of healthy foods, eating the right amount to maintain a healthy weight and distributing meals and snacks throughout the day.

 
I have found out that for myself that eating foods that are low in carbohydrates work best for me.  I still will have cottage cheese (potassium) and besides I love it, but shy away from pastas and breads in most cases.  Veggies are always wonderful, and since I love meat that hasn't disappeared from my diet at all.  I do NOT buy foods that are labeled "LOW FAT", because what it usually means is "HIGH SUGAR". 

There is a lot of talk about the Atkins and Low Carb diets right now, which is fine, I find that when I'm eating food without the carbohydrates I tend to lose weight naturally.  I do NOT suggest people go on the Atkins diet because I do not follow that diet.  I only limit my carbohydrates and try to stay away from the ketosis that seems to be the trick they are using. 

By naturally reducing the carbohydrates I know that between the beginning of Nov 1999 and the End of Jan 2000 I have gone from 335 to 318 pounds, and this was an inactive time that was during ALL the holiday meals. 

Medications for diabetes management are only effective when taken as prescribed. Be sure to learn about your medications and how and when to take them. Any side effects and how to respond to them should also be well-understood.

 
This is a very important item.  Taking my meds has helped me to keep my blood sugars under control. 

And it is MY responsibility to ask about side effects, and special considerations when taking the meds.  The doctor and pharmacist may be responsible for giving you that information, but if you do NOT understand it, or disagree with a medication change or prescription, make them explain it.
Example:  I had been hospitalized for Cellulitus (not related to the diabetes) and while I was there my blood sugar went up a few times over 140 and the doctor in the hospital wanted to give me insulin for it.  I am a non-insulin dependent diabetic, and I didn't want to start until there is absolutely no other choice.  If I had just accepted the doctor's insulin, I would be taking insulin still today and probably for the rest of my life.

So take the meds, ask questions and understand what you are taking, why you are taking it and all that fun stuff.
 

Exercising muscles take more glucose out of the blood than resting muscles and, thus, generally improve blood sugar control. Additional benefits of exercise include a healthier heart, better weight control and stress management. 

There are some exercise precautions which people with diabetes must take, but when done safely, exercise is a valuable aid to optimal health for all.
 

Blood sugar testing is now a routine part of daily life for many people with diabetes. Blood glucose meters have become small and relatively easy to use. SMBG allows people with diabetes to make quick and simple adjustments to diet, exercise and medications which allows them to quickly respond to blood sugar changes. 

I have only been testing my blood for the last few months, but have been finding that the little stab isn't too bad.  And I track the blood sugar levels religiously so I have an idea what is going on. 

It would be nice to have a testing toy that didn't require a skewer, but maybe someday.  I did hear that they have have a new laser lancet, for a mere $2000 and it's only the size of a VCR tape.  I don't think so. 
 

Good stress management skills can help minimize the release of hormones which raise blood sugar levels. Stress management practices include getting enough rest and exercise, avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol, and learning one or more simple relaxation techniques to help lower stress response in tense situations.

 
Stress?  I think I gave up on that.. took me a while but I figured out that there isn't anything really to get all stressed about anymore.

Alcohol:  Nope, gave that up January 5, 1986.
Caffeine:  Touch my coffee pot and you'll come back with a stump.

The rest of it:  Laughter is the BEST stress reliever, so when you get a chance laugh.  Laugh at yourself, laugh at your family, laugh at your coworkers, laugh at the other drivers stuck in traffic, laugh at whatever, but laugh.
 

When ill, a person with diabetes will usually have higher blood sugar levels. This is the result of more counter regulatory hormone activitiy. It is important to continue medications for diabetes management, and to monitor blood glucose on sick days. Some people are advised by their doctor to increase medication.Try to follow one's usual diet but do not do exercise to lower blood sugar when sick. Exercise can aggrevate high blood sugars caused by illness.

If illness is causing nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, however, and one's usual diet can not be followed, liquid foods can be taken to provide enough carbohydrate and fluids to keep blood sugar levels within a safe range.
 

Traveling across several time zones can create a challenge for blood sugar control, especially for people taking insulin. Diet and medication adjustments must be made. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels and eat smaller, more frequent meals during the first day or so after traveling.  Be sure to pack enough personal supplies and medication for the trip, especially if traveling outside the country.  It is also important to ask about taking medications over the borders of foreign countries, some of the medications cause border patrols to have a cow and they can give you a bad time about them.

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