Tips to manage diabetes (and people who can help you!)
Having diabetes means being busy. You're balancing multiple medications and taking blood sugar levels. You're making choices around food and exercise and learning to recognise when your symptoms are not in control.
Here are some tips to manage diabetes as well as the people who can help you. We’ll cover:
- The people in your diabetes support team
- Great foods to help you manage your diabetes (and those to avoid!)
- Tips to manage other conditions associated with diabetes (such as dry eye and foot issues)
- How to use a diabetes medication review to better control your diabetes and avoid side-effects (plus, it’s free)
1. Form your support team
These people are by your side who can help you manage your diabetes.1 If you don't know where to find these key team players, ask your doctor or Pharmacist for advice.
- Family and friends
- Pharmacist
- GP
- Psychologist, counsellor or social worker
- Dietician
- Diabetes educator
- Exercise physiologist
- Podiatrist
- Optometrist/ophthalmologist
- Endocrinologist
- Indigenous or community elders/health workers
- Interpreter/cultural support leader
2. Eat to help
Eating to manage your type 2 diabetes means choosing low GI foods and whole, unprocessed options. Add these items to your type 2 diabetes shopping list – ask your dietician what else they would recommend!
Prioritise:
✓ Wholegrains and low GI carbohydrates such as brown rice, quinoa, wholemeal pasta, grainy bread and sweet potato
✓ Skim milk dairy, including Greek style yoghurt
✓ Eggs and lean animal protein
✓ Fish, including oily varieties such as sardines, mackarel and salmon
✓ A rainbow of fresh vegetables and fruit
✓ Legumes and lentils
Avoid:
X Processed white carbohydrates such as white rice, bread, pasta and potato
X Fatty meats and too much red meat
X Lollies, chips, chocolates, biscuits, cakes and pastries
3. Think holistically
A holistic diabetes treatment plan involves understanding other health conditions associated with diabetes and taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Find tips below for dealing with dry mouth, nose and eyes; skin issues; foot ulcers; mental health and hypertension.2, 3, 4
Dry mouth, nose and eyes
These are a common and uncomfortable side effect of diabetes.
Tip! Mouth washes, saline nasal sprays and eye drops can help provide relief from these symptoms.
Skin issues
Your skin is an important barrier to infection. However, diabetes can damage nerves and small blood vessels, which may produce dry and cracked skin.
Tip! Protect your skin by moisturising daily, having short, warm showers and choosing soap-free cleansers.
Foot ulcers
Circulation issues and damage to nerves can cause ulcers and infections in the feet.
Tip! Regular checks with your podiatrist will help you keep your foot health under control.
Mental health
The impact of diabetes can cause anxiety, distress and depression. Managing your mental health is best done in a team.
Tip! Managing mental health is best done in a team. Consider contacting a support group or making an appointment with your GP.
Hypertension
Diabetes is associated with high blood pressure. This is compounded by the effects of a sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition.
Tip! Managing your diet, exercising regularly and checking your blood pressure help guard against the complications of hypertension.
4. Book a FREE diabetes medication review
In this one-on-one consultation, your Pharmacist will help you better understand your medication, avoid potential side-effects and give personalised lifestyle advice to suit your needs.
And of course, it's confidential, private and convenient.
Book your diabetes medication review HERE!
Disclaimer
General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.