Living with a chronic condition like diabetes can be mentally, physically, and emotionally taxing. Even if you’ve had many years of coping with the illness already, it’s normal to feel down from time to time about your situation.
There are several things you can do today that will help you cope with your diabetes better and put you back in control.
Use the Correct Equipment
If you have diabetes, there will be various supplies and devices you’ll need to manage the condition, like an insulin pump. This is a small electronic device which releases the regular insulin your body requires during the day and night. The great thing about insulin pumps is you don’t need to do all the hard work yourself. You can read more about insulin pumps from the London Diabetes Centre who are specialists in the condition. They are the leading private provider of specialist diabetes care in the UK.
Have a Strong Support Network
A diabetes diagnosis comes with all kinds of trials and tribulations. Some days you may feel positive and upbeat, whereas on others you may feel down and disheartened. Through the good and bad, it’s essential you have a strong support network behind you. Having your loved ones by your side can make an enormous difference. There are close to 4 million people living with diabetes in the UK, so you may find a family member or friend who has the same condition. This can be a great opportunity to share your experiences, get help, and learn useful tips on how to control your illness.
Exercise Often
We’re all aware of the positive effects exercise has on our mind and body, such as relieving stress and building muscle. However, if you have diabetes, physical activity makes your body more sensitive to insulin. This is the hormone that enables cells in the body to use blood sugar for energy. Exercise can help manage your diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels and decreasing your risk of developing nerve damage and heart disease. If you aren’t sure where to start, walking is your best bet. Anyone can benefit from walking. To see results and lose weight, you should be spending 30 minutes each day brisk walking for 5 days a week.
Set Achievable Goals
Once you receive a diabetes diagnosis, it’s time to devise a plan. It’s best to start small when goal setting, otherwise, you can become overwhelmed quickly. You can set goals for different things, such as exercise, healthy eating, and learning more about the condition. Break everything down into smaller pieces, as you’ll find this more manageable.
Practice Positive Thinking
Positive thinking is a must when living with diabetes. Unfortunately, the condition cannot be cured, so you don’t want to spend the rest of your life feeling down about your situation. Instead, changing your mindset and being optimistic about the future can eradicate any negative thoughts. In fact, thinking positively can lower your risk of depression, stress, and improve your overall wellbeing.
Getting a diabetes diagnosis can be a frightening experience, no matter your age. Although, it doesn’t have to rule your life. Implementing the tips above into your day-to-day routine can boost your mindset and help you manage the condition better.
