Dubai:Ahead of World Diabetes Day, which falls on November 14 every year, the Director and Consultant Endocrinologist of DHA’s Dubai Diabetes Center, Dr. M. Hamed Farooqi, highlights some tips, which people with diabetes can follow to help manage their blood sugar level.

Farooqi says that Type 2 diabetes in particular is a lifestyle related disease and lifestyle modification is the key to managing the disease. Given the fact that diabetes can cause several complications if left unmanaged, it is vital that people with diabetes make simple healthy choices to life a healthy life.

Some of the tips he shares to managing the disease are:

Try not to skip medication or insulin: Put medication reminders to ensure you do not miss your medication. Medication compliance is an important pillar to managing diabetes.

Stick to a diabetic friendly diet: Some indulgences in moderation on special occasions is understandable but it is important to work with your nutritionist and build a strong diabetes friendly diet, which you adhere to most of the time. The occasional indulgences should also be mindful to prevent blood sugar spikes.

Do not skip meals: It is very important for people with diabetes to plan ahead and sort-out meals beforehand so that they do not experience dips and spikes in blood sugar levels.

Avoid carbonated beverages: Consuming large quantity of sugar-carbonated beverages can significantly increase your blood sugar levels. The same goes for fruit juices. In fact, it is better to eat your fruit and vegetables rather than drink it.

Hydration: Keep yourself hydrated, drink plenty of water per day and drink more water if you have exercised.

Physical Exercise: Staying active can help you boost your immunity as well as manage blood sugar levels. The added benefit is that it is great for mental health and wellbeing too.

Sufficient sleep:  Do not underestimate the power of sleep on health, mood, productivity and overall wellbeing. Try to maintain the same sleep timings and get at least 7 hours of sleep.

Farooqi says making simple changes in your lifestyle will go a long way in keeping your blood glucose levels under control.