Control Diabetes Through Diet & Exercise

Watching what you eat and do to stop diabetes from causing more serious health problems is a balancing act for many older Americans. But according to "Take Charge of Your Diabetes," published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you can keep your blood sugar level close to normal through diet, exercise, and medication, you can prevent the serious health problems associated with diabetes. These health problems include: Eye, kidney or heart disease, serious foot problems, and or nerve damage.

The keys to keeping your blood sugar at a healthy level are what you eat and drink, your physical activities, and the medications you take.

Nutrition

Eating regular meals with a variety of foods at routine times every 4-5 hours gives your body a predictable flow of nutrients. Eating less fat, sugar and salt, and more whole grains, fruit, and vegetables helps regulate glucose levels and is heart healthy, too. Diabetics should be careful with alcohol since it adds calories without nutrition and affects blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about the safest way to include an occasional alcoholic drink in your diet.

Regular Exercise

The key is word is regular -- 10-20 minutes of walking, gardening, stretching, dancing ... whatever activities you can be easily added to your daily routine. Physical activity can prevent heart and blood flow problems and control blood sugar. Talk to your doctor before you start exercising and if you feel any pain while doing so.