November is Diabetes Awareness Month! Do you or a loved one have diabetes? Here are some practical tips for managing blood sugar levels: 

• • Eat balanced meals. Eating balanced meals, such as ones high in protein, which can improve muscle strength, and keep your blood sugar from rising, and low in processed foods that can increase inflammation. Also, adding vegetables and berries to your plate. Being aware of how many carbs are in your meals helps since carbs are made into sugar in your body which may cause a spike in your blood sugar. This way you can manage it accordingly with less carbs, insulin-if needed, or exercise.
  • Get exercise. Whether rigorous or light, exercise helps your body use sugar that ultimately prevents a spike in your blood sugar. Even 10 minutes can be beneficial! While exercising, make sure to stay hydrated.
  • Do your best to stay calm., Stress impacts blood sugar levels and keeping to a stress free lifestyle may help. Stress releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which in turn raise glucose (sugar), so low to no stress may keep your blood sugar from rising.
  • Take medicine. Taking the medicine your physician recommends such as insulin when diet and lifestyle by themselves aren’t enough for managing blood sugar

• And always speak to your healthcare provider.

We offer a variety of diabetes-related services such as diabetes screening. This includes testing fasting blood sugar and your hemoglobin A1C, which allows us to determine whether you are diabetic or prediabetic. Our physical therapy team can help through individualized strength-building programs.