Diabetes Care at Home

We want you to live well with type 2 diabetes. In doing so, you need to learn ways to take care of your diabetes every day. This article will review many of the safe and effective remedies for diabetes care at home. These remedies allow you to manage your diabetes just like you manage other parts of your life such as your work, household chores, and family budget. In taking the appropriate steps for diabetes care at home, you can feel a sense of control about your illness.

Here are a few diabetes care strategies to try:

Do Home Blood Sugar Tests

Here, you’ll learn practical advice for testing your blood glucose -- or blood sugar -- levels at home. Knowing your blood sugar levels allows you to alter your diabetes management strategy if your levels aren't near your target. Be sure to check your blood sugar levels regularly at home. There are several different ways to do this. Some machines can test alternative sites of the body other than the fingertips, so talk to your doctor about the method that might be best for your situation.

For more detail, see WebMD's article Home Blood Glucose Tests.

Take Care of Your Diabetes Every Day

No matter what type of diabetes medication you use, this article will give you excellent tips in taking care of your diabetes every day.  Experts say most people with diabetes should try to keep their blood sugar level as close as possible to the level of someone who does not have diabetes. Your doctor or diabetes educator can teach you more about controlling your blood sugar. The four strategies you’ll learn in this health topic to take care of your diabetes every day include:

1. Eat healthy food

2. Get regular exercise

3. Take your diabetes medicine

4. Test your blood sugar.

For more detail, see WebMD's article Taking Care of Your Diabetes Every Day.

Lose Weight to Help Control Diabetes

Losing weight is vital for most people with type 2 diabetes. No matter how heavy you are, you can dramatically lower your blood sugar if you lose weight. According to the American Diabetes Association, even losing 10 or 15 pounds has health benefits. Losing weight can:

• Lower blood sugar
• Reduce blood pressure
• Improve cholesterol levels
• Lighten the stress on hips, knees, ankles, and feet
• Give you more energy and let you breathe easier

Check with your doctor before starting a weight loss plan. Then, consult with a diabetes educator or nutritionist for a workable diet that you can stick with for a lifetime.

For more detail, see WebMD's article Diabetes and Weight Loss: The Right Path.

Get Better Sleep

Can’t sleep? You’re not alone. Here, you’ll learn some sleep strategies that will help you get better sleep. Some new findings indicate that poor sleep may mean worse blood sugar control. Previous studies have shown that people without diabetes may be more likely to get diabetes or have problems controlling their blood sugar if they get poor quality sleep. It appears that both the amount of sleep (sleep quantity) and sleep quality can improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. If you suffer with a sleep disorder or have difficulty falling or staying asleep, talk with your doctor about some ways to get better sleep. Sleep does matter!

For more detail, see WebMD's article Type 2 Diabetes? Get Better Sleep.