How Can I Manage My Diabetes?

In 2016, my father suffered a stroke. While in the hospital, he was diagnosed with diabetes. As a family practice physician, I had taken care of many patients with diabetes. But when it hit so close to home, it became a disease state that I became very passionate about. While diabetes is a very complex disease that affects so many systems of the body, the beauty that I have found is the ability to empower my patients with the tools that they can utilize to take control and optimize their health, particularly those with type 2 diabetes. Nothing brings me more joy than when my patients take my plan and put it into action because it gives them proof that the choices they make matter.

I want to share with you some principles that I discuss with patients to manage their controlled diabetes. However, it is very important to have a plan and individualized strategy in place and follow your doctor's orders when it comes to taking control of your diabetes.

1. Avoid the white stuff. We all know how important it is for diabetics to be mindful of their carbohydrate consumption. Instead of the simple carbs that are broken down to sugar, we want patients instead to consume complex carbs which contain fiber, causing a smaller increase in blood sugar. Understanding simple vs. complex carbs can be confusing; instead, I simply say avoid the white stuff. That includes things like white sugar, white bread, white potatoes, white noodles, and white sauce, which are more likely to be simple carbs.
2. Give your teeth and gums some love. Remember, diabetes affects all systems of the body including your oral health. For people with uncontrolled diabetes and elevated blood sugar levels, this can lead to dental problems like gingivitis and infections. Studies conducted by the Listerine® team set out to highlight the importance of prioritizing oral health for people with controlled diabetes and concluded that using Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash twice a day in combination with a good oral health care routine helps to prevent and reduce plaque and gingivitis in people with controlled diabetes. Using Listerine Cool Mint reduced gingivitis by 39%, bleeding gums by over 75% and plaque by 25% in seven days, all in people with controlled diabetes. (Based on number of healthy gum sites. Shown in a clinical study vs. brushing alone in people with controlled diabetes. Intended to treat early gum disease.)
3. Get regular physical activity. My recommendation is a minimum of 150 minutes of cardiovascular activity a week. You can divide up the time how you wish throughout the week. Studies even suggest that people with diabetes may have more vascular benefits when their exercises are shorter but more frequent.
4. See your primary care doctor on a regular basis. Set regular appointment times to check on your diabetes and see if any medication adjustments need to be made. I personally like to see my diabetic patients every three months.
5. Take care of your eyes and feet. Some patients are quite aware, but it’s always an important reminder how much diabetes affects your eyes and feet. Having regular visits with your ophthalmologist and podiatrist are also important.