November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance of diabetes management, education, and prevention. Living with diabetes requires careful attention to diet, blood sugar levels, and exercise to avoid potential emergencies like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Dr. Jessica Best, a board-certified Emergency Room physician and Medical Director at Ally Medical Emergency Room, shares expert advice on how to manage diabetes effectively and prevent urgent care visits.
Understanding Hypoglycemia and Preventing Emergencies
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low, which can happen due to missed meals, over-exercising, or medication mismanagement. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary, but common signs include:
- Shakiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion or irritability
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
“One of the most crucial aspects of managing diabetes is recognizing the early signs of hypoglycemia,” says Dr. Best. “If left untreated, it can escalate quickly into a serious emergency requiring medical intervention. Keeping fast-acting carbohydrates like glucose tablets or juice on hand can help prevent this from happening.”
She emphasizes the importance of acting quickly when low blood sugar symptoms arise. “If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, treat them immediately, and monitor your levels to ensure they stabilize.”
Top Tips for Managing Diabetes
To manage diabetes and avoid emergencies like hypoglycemia, Dr. Best offers these key tips:
- Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring: Check your blood sugar levels throughout the day and adjust your diet, exercise, or medication as needed. Monitoring helps you stay within your target range, reducing the risk of both high and low blood sugar.
- Follow a Diabetic-Friendly Diet: A well-balanced, diabetic-friendly diet plays a significant role in blood sugar control. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and non-starchy vegetables. Limiting sugary snacks and processed foods can prevent blood sugar spikes. Seek out slow-digesting carbs like sweet potatoes, whole oats and legumes, which provide more sustained energy without causing a spike.
- 3. Incorporate Regular Exercise: Exercise is another key component of diabetes management, as it helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves overall health. However, it’s essential to balance physical activity with blood sugar monitoring. Check your blood sugar levels before and after exercise and pack a fast-acting carbohydrate food to the gym in case your blood sugar drops during the workout.
“Meal planning is critical,” Dr. Best says. “Eating at consistent times and balancing your carbs with proteins and fats helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling is often recommended for individuals with diabetes.”
Diabetes Education: The Key to Long-Term Success
Dr. Best underscores the importance of diabetes education for both patients and caregivers.
“The more you know about how diabetes affects your body, the better you’ll be able to manage it,” she says.
Diabetes education can provide valuable insights into the role of nutrition, medication, and lifestyle choices in controlling the condition. Attending diabetes education classes, meeting with a certified diabetes educator, or consulting your healthcare team can provide you with personalized guidance. Understanding how to adjust your medication, meals, or exercise in response to blood sugar levels is key to preventing complications.
Preventing Diabetes: A Lifelong Journey
While managing diabetes is essential, prevention remains equally important for those at risk. According to Dr. Best, lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.
“Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a balanced diet are all effective ways to lower your risk,” she says. “Staying proactive about your health, even if you’re not currently diagnosed with diabetes, can make a big difference in the long run.”
Managing diabetes requires a multi-faceted approach, including proper blood sugar monitoring, a healthy diet, and regular exercise. By recognizing the signs of hypoglycemia and knowing how to respond, you can reduce the risk of diabetes-related emergencies. Small changes in your daily routine can greatly impact your well-being, whether you’re living with diabetes or working to prevent it.
By: Dr. Jessica Best Medical Director at Ally Medical ER Central Austin
