Having a healthy lifestyle can be a priority for a variety of reasons. However, if you havebeen diagnosed with diabetes, it’s not just smart to put your health first, it’s vital tokeeping your condition in check. Need some help getting on track? Here are some tips.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), WebMD®

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Drink responsibly and don’t smokeBe smart if you choose to drink. Alcohol can have anunpredictable effect on your blood sugar; it cancause it to go up or down. Plus, drinking alcohol toimpairment can compromise your ability to controlyour blood sugar.

While smoking isn’t healthy for anyone, diabetics do need to be aware of the added risk that can comefrom smoking. Since having diabetes already putsyou at risk for other health conditions, such as heartdisease, smoking can increase your overall risk.

Follow a healthy diet and get movingAs you probably know, your diet has a direct impacton your blood sugar. Your body convertscarbohydrates into sugar, so limit your intake ofthem. Instead, choose vegetables, fruits and wholegrains. Keep your meals about the same size andavoid overeating.

Also, aim to get regular exercise throughout theweek, since doing so has many benefits, includinglowering blood sugar, helping with weightmanagement and lowering your risk of heart disease.

Practice good oral hygieneBe sure to brush and floss daily to keep your gumshealthy and avoid complications.

See the doctorGet regular physicals. Your doctor will likely checkyour cholesterol, blood pressure and A1C, a bloodtest that shows the average level of blood sugar.

If you have diabetes, you also have an increased risk for depression, so be sure to talk to yourdoctor if you’ve noticed mood-related changes.

Make sure you get regular exams for your eyes andfeet, as diabetes can impact both. Alert theappropriate doctor regarding any changes since your last visit.

Stay the treatment courseIf your doctor has given you a treatment plan, make sure you’re following it. If you have questionsor concerns, discuss them with your doctor beforemaking any changes.

Stress lessAvoid stress when you can. Not only can stress causeyour blood sugar to climb, it also may limit how muchattention you can give to managing your condition.

Healthy LivingTips for ManagingDiabetes