Be The Boss Of Your Diabetes: Three Self-Management Tips

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Three Self-ManagementTips (NAPSA)—Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing conditions in the U.S. Today, the number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes has skyrocketed to nearly one in 10, comparedto one in 100 just 50 years ago. Chancesare that you or someoneyou knowis coping with it. What You Can Do Hearing from your doctor that you have diabetes can be an overwhelm- ingexperience. From that day forward, Doctors agree: Learning all you can your “new normal” may involve some about your diabetes can help you lifestyle changes. Managing diabetesis stay in control of the con a 24/7responsibility, and many people don’t know where to turn forhelp to get started. The good newsis that diabetes self-management education classes and resources are widely available. Dia- betes education can help you to navigate changes and learn simple ways to improve your overall health. Diabetes self-management means a numberof key behavioral changes, including tweaks to diet and exercise, and learning to manage your medica- tion. And while you can attempt those tweaks by yourself, you don’t need to go it alone. Mostinsuranceplans, Medicaid and Medicare cover diabetes self-managementeducation. Unfortunately, studies show only percent of people take advantageof diabetes classes meant to help them managetheir diabetes within thefirst year of being diagnosed. You can get a better handle on eating tips and recipes, or a variety of fitness opportunities such as ballroom dancingoryoga. You can check a nearby community center orfitness center to see whatclasses they offer. Some health insurers also offer diabetes resources andclasses for members and nonmembers alike at brick-and-mortar retail stores. Check with your health insurer for options. + Get moving with easy-to-use fit- nesstechnology.Physicalactivity offers huge benefits for people with diabetes, including lowering blood glucose levels, helpingwith weight loss, andcontrolling blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Fitness trackers and apps for phones andtablets make it easier to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. For example, the Blue Cross “do” app self-managementfor your “new norm” can help you chooseactivities and set reminders throughout the dayto stand up,stretch, walk and more. class. Most health care providers offer betes, you can improve your quality with these three tips: + Attend a diabetes education classes to help people with diabetes learn how to managetheir condition. You'll learn best practices and tips for mealplanning, monitoringblood sugar, medications, stress management and more. In addition, many community organizations offer classes to support continuedlearning and managementof diabetes. + Discoverhealthylifestyle ideas. ‘Asdiabetes becomesincreasingly prev- alent, more organizationsare offering a variety ofclassesto help support healthy living. These classes can includehealthy By successfully managing your dia- oflife and help prevent complications downthe road—including cardiovasculardisease, nerve damage,eye damage, hearing impairment and more. ‘A diabetes diagnosis changes your life, but your new norm can lead to changesthat canhelpyoufeel better and stay healthier. Learn More For further information about diabetes self-management education and how you can helptake controlof your diabetes, go to www.bluecrossmn.com/ newnorm.

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