If you’re one of the one in 10 Americans living with diabetes, you know that managing the disease can take its toll on you. You must remember to check your blood sugar, take medications, choose healthy foods, and exercise. Doing these tasks to live better with diabetes can become overwhelming, but you’re not alone.

Up to half of all people with diabetes experience what’s known as diabetes distress. It happens when managing your diabetes makes you feel anxious or depressed. It may even cause you to suffer burnout while trying to be healthy. 

While no medication for diabetes distress exists, you don’t have to live with it. Learn how to spot diabetes distress and get tips on how to cope and manage diabetes to protect your well-being. 

Signs of diabetes distress or diabetes burnout

You may be suffering from diabetes distress or diabetes burnout if you:

• Feel powerless, like you’re unable to control your diabetes, despite your best efforts
• Neglect to care for your diabetes, such as failing to do glucose checks or to take medications
• Avoid diabetes appointments or show up with an indifferent or irritated attitude
• Worry about your future and that you will develop complications from diabetes
• Lack the support of family or friends 
• Also deal with other stressful situations, such as with finances or relationships
• Abandon your diabetes eating plan and take part in unhealthy or uncontrolled eating
• Engage in other harmful coping strategies

When you know these signs, it’s easy to see how damaging diabetes distress can be for your health. This makes it important to learn how to manage stress from diabetes.

How to cope and manage diabetes with success

This list of do’s and don’ts of living with diabetes not only may help you in managing your diabetes, but it may also offer valuable resources to keep you optimistic about your health journey. 

Remember, before making changes to your diabetes care plan, please consult your physician.

Do check your blood sugar as directed. 

It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendation for how often to check your blood sugar. When you have very high or very low levels, you can face serious risks to your health. Knowing your levels allows you to respond accordingly and safeguard your well-being.

Do monitor your blood pressure often. 

It’s also a smart idea to check your blood pressure when possible. High blood pressure and diabetes often go hand in hand, and when unmanaged, can result in heart disease or stroke. Having both these issues also compounds your risk for damage to your kidneys and eyes. You can find a blood pressure cuff-style monitor at a pharmacy and ask your physician for training at your next appointment. 

Do maintain a regular exercise schedule. 

When you’re active, you’re able to lower your blood sugar, lose weight, improve your risk of heart disease, and reduce your stress. These benefits are tremendous, and you don’t have to engage in strenuous exercise to reap them. In fact, one of the best exercises for people with diabetes is walking. If you’re new to exercising and want to walk, start slow until you can build up to 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Do adhere to a healthy diet. 

Diabetes meal planning is another critical component of maintaining or improving your condition. While you’re evaluating the best and worst diets, remember that eating healthy doesn’t have to be complex. Your simplest strategy is to choose whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and protein, and to trade refined grains, such as white bread, for whole grains, like brown rice. And when you buy frozen fruits and vegetables or instant items like rice or oatmeal, you can eat healthy foods on a budget.

Don’t forget to take your medications. 

Set a schedule and stay on track with your medications. You can organize your medicines in pill boxes at the beginning of each week and set alarms on your phone to remind you to take them. If you’re not refilling medicines due to their cost(s), talk to your doctor about your options, and research programs available to help with costs, such as those for affordable insulin. When you fail to take medications, you may actually increase your expenses because of extra health issues that may result, so it’s important to seek assistance.

Don’t neglect other areas of your health. 

As a diabetic patient, you should have certain screenings at your annual doctor’s visit. In addition to A1C and blood pressure checks, these may include blood work to measure cholesterol, a urine test for kidney health, and a foot exam to verify good circulation. You may also undergo vision and dental tests because high levels of blood sugar can damage the vessels in your eyes and cause gum disease. When you attend these appointments, you can prevent issues or identify them early to seek treatment.

Do know what your Medicare or other insurance covers. 

Medicare Part B subscribers, for example, get two free blood sugar screenings each year. For other diabetic-related needs, such as an annual eye exam or foot exam, therapeutic shoes, or lancet devices, you’ll be responsible for 20% before your deductible has been met. Medicare also provides coverage for diabetic self-management training and medical nutrition therapy when they’re doctor ordered.

Don’t try to manage it all on your own. 

Among the top health tips for seniors is to prioritize your mental health. If you feel diabetes distress coming on, tell someone — a family member, friend, or your doctor. You may also wish to join a diabetes support group to speak to others who understand what you’re experiencing. It’s important to surround yourself with supportive people and to ask for help when you need it. 

Do show yourself grace.

Above all, know that you’re not defined by your disease. Be kind to yourself and remember to take time for people and activities you enjoy. This is a great way to reduce stress, which is another one of the best ways to live better with diabetes.

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