I have many patients with diabetes. The ones that do really well with managing their disease are the ones that will change their lifestyle. Just taking diabetes medication is not sufficient to prevent diabetes associated problems. Here are my tips for someone living with diabetes:

1. Eat a healthy whole food diet, low in sugar, low in carbohydrate, fiber-full and protein rich. It is ideal to consult and nutritionist or dietitian if you’re having problems controlling your blood sugar level. Certain nutritional deficiencies, such as chromium deficiency, can worsen the state of your diabetes. A nutritionist good check for these deficiencies. For nutritionist near you, contact CBNS.org.

2. Drink plenty of water. This your help your body flush out the byproducts of the medications you’re taking. Staying hydrated also optimizes all the bodily functions.

3. Be active at least 30 minutes a day. Find something fun to do, gardening, walking, jogging, hiking, playing with your pet, preferably outdoors. It may be easier to join a group such as meetup.com to find other people with the same interests to motivate each other to stay active.

4. Check your blood glucose every day. It is important to keep track of your glucose and see how different foods impact of this number.

5. Brush two minutes twice a day and floss daily. If you have diabetes, you’re more susceptible to getting periodontal disease, which is a chronic infection that starts in between the teeth. If you have diabetes, you should see a periodontist to make sure your oral health is under control. Studies have shown that if you cannot control your diabetes, it may be due to an oral infection. For those of you who hate string flossing or cannot do it due to the joint pain in your hands, try a Waterpik Water Flosser. Several studies have shown that the Waterpik Water Flosser controls gum bleeding and inflammation better than string floss.

6. See your doctor regularly for check-ups and your dentist at least every 5-6 months for a dental cleaning. By doing so, any health problems can be detected early and easily treated.

7. Don’t smoke. Enough said.

In great health,
Dr. Sanda

To discuss your diabetes with an award-winning periodontist and nutritionist contact Dr. Sanda Moldovan to schedule a consultation.