7 Tips for Diabetics

Justan Carlson was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after a wrestling accident damaged his pancreas, the organ that makes insulin to help your body convert sugar into energy. Now, nearly 11 years later, Justan lives his life as he wants with only a few caveats.

Learn about what advice Justan has for other diabetics who are figuring out how to manage their condition in their everyday lives.

Tip No. 1: Don’t Get Overwhelmed

The most important tip Justan has for people recently diagnosed with diabetes: remain calm.

“Don’t let it overwhelm you,” he says.


Listen to what your doctor has to say, realize the changes you’ll have to make in your life, and continue on with what you want to do with your life.

“It’s not a hindrance; it’s just a slight slowdown,” Justan says.

Tip No. 2: Pay Attention

Diabetes means your body is changing, so it’s important that you listen to what it’s trying to tell you.

“Pay attention to how your body reacts to things,” Justan says.

This includes how your body responds to food, exercise, and other factors that can affect your blood sugar level. After more than a decade with diabetes, Justan is so in tune with his body that he can accurately guess his blood sugar within five points.


Tip No. 3: Get Moving

While diabetes is tied to obesity, it’s important to remember that being diagnosed with diabetes doesn’t mean you’re sentenced to a sedentary lifestyle. On the contrary, exercise becomes that much more important for those with diabetes.

A self-described “active person,” Justan isn’t a slave to the gym, but he’s always doing something. He recommends—along with researchers and doctors—all diabetics get off the couch.

“Don’t sit around,” Justan says. “There’s no reason to be lazy.”

Tip No. 4: Enjoy Yourself

Diabetics need to watch what they eat to prevent spikes in their blood sugar, but that doesn’t mean they have to avoid food they love.

“Don’t be scared to enjoy yourself,” Justan says. “You can still have cake; just don’t  have a huge piece.”

The key, Justan said, is to be smart about it. After enjoying small indulgences, Justan knows he’ll need to inject insulin, so he does. And then he goes about his day.
Tip No. 5: Make It Part of the Routine

Everyday, we all wake up, brush our teeth, shower, and perform other parts of our daily routine. That’s how caring for your diabetes should be—part of the routine.

“I don’t let it rule my life,” Justan says. “It’s just one more thing to deal with.”

Not letting diabetes take the forefront of his life, Justan feels he’s able to accomplish more. Or as he put it, making diabetes maintenance a routine is the best way to “beat the ‘betes.”
Tip No. 6: Have a Sense of Humor

Justan isn’t ashamed of his diabetes, and although it may be hard to follow his lead, he recommends everyone approach their condition in this way. Instead of walking around feeling down, Justan uses humor when the subject of diabetes comes up.

It often happens when a clerk at a gas station will ask him if he realized he grabbed a diet soda. “I just say, ‘yeah, I’m trying to watch my girlish figure,’” he says, laughing. “Then I tell them it’s better for my diabetes

7 Tips for Diabetics

Justan Carlson was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after a wrestling accident damaged his pancreas, the organ that makes insulin to help your body convert sugar into energy. Now, nearly 11 years later, Justan lives his life as he wants with only a few caveats.

Learn about what advice Justan has for other diabetics who are figuring out how to manage their condition in their everyday lives.
source:http://www.healthline.com/