The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Managing Diabetes

Diabetes can KILL you if…

You’re not careful about a few things. You already know that diabetes management is not child’s play. From the right medicines to regular workouts and a balanced diet, there’s a lot to consider. 

But even if you’ve followed everything correctly, you may still be at risk. Because — you might be committing these ten mistakes every day unknowingly. 

1. Skipping Meals

Don’t ditch your stomach by skipping meals.

It can cause your blood sugar to spike or drop unpredictably. When you skip meals, your body might go into starvation mode. Consequently, it may release glucose into the bloodstream to compensate for the lack of food, leading to a spike.

Besides, insulin and other diabetes medications are designed to work with regular meals. Skipping meals can disrupt the balance and potentially lead to hypo or hyperglycemia.

When you get too hungry, you’re more likely to make poor food choices or overeat at your next meal, causing another surge in blood sugar levels.

Expert tip: Aim for three main meals and healthy snacks in between to keep your levels steady.

2. Not Checking Blood Sugar Regularly

“I’m diabetic, and I know it” – this approach ain’t going to help. 

To keep your blood sugar level in check, you will have to check it regularly. This way, you can determine how food, activity, and medication affect your levels. If you don’t check regularly, you’re essentially flying blind. That said, you don’t know whether your management strategies are working or if adjustments are needed.

Frequent checks help you catch any fluctuations early and make necessary adjustments. This proactive approach can prevent complications and improve your overall quality of life. 

P.S: Use a blood glucose monitor as your healthcare provider advises, and keep a log to track patterns and trends.

3. Ignoring Symptoms

Ignoring minor symptoms? Here’s why that’s a big mistake!

Ignoring symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue can lead to severe complications. These signs often indicate your blood sugar is out of control. Don’t dismiss them as just being tired or having a bad day.

Remember, addressing symptoms early helps prevent long-term damage to your health. If you experience unusual symptoms, check your blood sugar and consult your healthcare provider. Early intervention can stop the progression of diabetes-related complications.

4. Not Exercising

Do you only move enough for people to think you are still alive? 

Avoiding exercise can amplify the risk of diabetes-related complications, including obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases. Besides, if you don’t exercise regularly, your body fails to use insulin efficiently. This may lead to spiked blood sugar levels. 

Moreover, workouts help boost your overall health by reducing stress and aiding in weight management. 

Start with activities you enjoy, like walking, swimming, or dancing, and gradually increase the intensity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week.

5. Overeating

Eating like there’s no tomorrow may make your tomorrow a little more complicated. 

Overeating, especially carbs, can cause your blood sugar to spike. So – learn to recognize true hunger and avoid all sorts of overeating.

What you can do: Eat small and wholesome meals throughout the day. Include healthy crunches like leafy veggies, eggs, white meat, and fruits in your daily diet. If you are struggling to control portion size, simply use smaller plates. Fill them, but don’t refill them. Chew your food well and drink enough water. 

6. Relying Too Much on Medication

Do you hold a PhD in pill popping? Do you believe medication is the only cure for diabetes? It’s time to rethink!

Medication is indeed important, but it can’t help you win the battle against diabetes until you are considering lifestyle changes. That said, you must be pretty particular with your workout routine and diet. Remember, medications work best when you combine them with healthy habits. 

Seek Help: If you are struggling to set up an effective diet and exercise plan, ask your healthcare provider for help. Follow up with them regularly to fine-tune your strategy.  

7. Not Staying Hydrated

Hydration is a big deal! You are making a huge mistake if you are not drinking enough water. Dehydration may lead to further elevation of blood sugar concentrations. Confused? Let’s break it down for you.

When you are dehydrated, the volume of blood decreases. This increases the concentration of blood glucose. Besides, dehydration triggers the release of stress hormones like glucagon and cortisol. Consequently, your blood glucose level can spike as your body tries to mobilize energy. 

So, drink as much water as you can. However, avoid sugary drinks at every cost. Instead, go for herbal teas, lemon water (unsweetened), etc. 

8. Consuming Too Many Carbs

Don’t blame the butter for what the bread did! 

Excessive carbs can do more harm than good if you have diabetes. During digestion, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. This leads to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Moreover, too much carb can exacerbate your body’s insulin resistance. 

It can prevent insulin from moving glucose from the bloodstream into cells. This can also elevate your blood sugar level. What’s more concerning, if you are consistently overdosing on carbs, you may experience the long-term complications of diabetes. They include cataracts, kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases, nerve damage, etc. 

Pro tip: Opt for complex carbs like whole grains – they digest slower and have a more stable effect on your blood sugar. Plus, fiber-rich foods like veggies, legumes, and fruits should be included to slow sugar absorption and improve blood sugar levels.

9. Not Getting Enough Sleep

“The shorter you sleep, the shorter your life.” 

This applies to every person with diabetes. If you are not sleeping enough, your insulin sensitivity will be affected. Poor sleep patterns (insufficient or irregular) can disrupt glucose metabolism, elevating the risk of insulin resistance. 

Ideally, you should get  7-8 hours of sleep each night. Poor sleep can also affect your appetite, leading to poor food choices and overeating.

Insomniac? Try to maintain good sleep hygiene. Make a proper bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, listen to soothing music, and create a comfortable sleeping environment. If nothing helps, talk to your healthcare provider. 

10. Not Seeking Support

You are not alone! Junk craving, sleepless nights, continuous checks, hypertension… Many battle the same challenges as you do. According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas, 537 million adults (worldwide) are living with diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 783 million by 2045. 

Community support can help you manage your diabetes better. Join a group, connect with friends, and talk to your healthcare provider. 

Share your experiences and challenges openly. Besides, learn from others who are also managing diabetes. This way, you will always be on track.

Always Keep The Ball In Your Court

To sum it up – taking control of your diabetes is about making small, consistent changes that add up over time. Avoid these common mistakes and significantly improve your diabetes management. What steps will you take today to manage your diabetes better? Drop your thoughts!