Diabetes cases have been growing over the past decade in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes. Complications related to the ailment can be serious, including vision loss, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and the amputation of toes, feet, or legs due to poor circulation. The great news is that with proper management, diabetes doesn’t have to hamper your quality of life. These low-cost tips and tools will help with day-to-day management so you can get your diabetes under control. Read on for low-cost technology tips to manage diabetes.
Watch Your Weight with Supplements
Obesity increases your risk for developing type 2 diabetes and, if you’ve already been diagnosed with the illness, can make it more difficult to manage. Watch your weight by maintaining a healthy diet based primarily on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. You can also use supplements to support your goals, but that said, always consult a healthcare professional before adding any medications or supplements.
Get a Fitness Tracker for Exercising
Of course, your diet isn’t the only factor influencing weight. It’s important to engage in regular exercise, as well. A fitness tracker can help hold you accountable to your fitness goals by recording your physical activity and key statistics, such as resting versus active heart rate. The Apple Watch Series 4, in addition to monitoring heart rate and generating an ECG, can even help keep you safe as it provides fall detection and an emergency SOS call function. Just be sure you have a sturdy, comfortable watch band that can survive your exercise routine. Not a fan of Apple products? Alternative brands like FitBit are another option, including key features like heart rate monitor and GPS in addition to activity tracking. These assets support both your wellbeing and your safety.
Use Telemedicine to Check in with a Doctor
One of the keys to diabetes management is keeping an eye on important statistics, like blood sugar levels, and checking in regularly with a doctor. If you find yourself unable to stick to in-person appointments, try telemedicine. These programs connect you with a certified medical practitioner, who can review your stats and symptoms and advise on your care plan. Platforms like AmWell even offer 24/7 service, so you can work around your busy schedule. All of the professionals on their platform are board-certified so you can be sure you’re getting reliable advice. You can even access AmWell through your mobile device using its app.
Download Useful Apps to Your Phone
Apps offer a cost-effective way to keep track of your diabetes without added hassle. You can keep track of what you’re eating using a tool like MyNetDiary, for instance. It features meal and exercise planning tools as well as custom trackers; upgrade to premium and you can even print out PDF reports to share with your dietitian or doctor. There are also apps available to help you track your glucose. Glucose Buddy lets you create a continual record of glucose levels, allowing you to gain insights into telling patterns over time. Your doctor can use this real-time information to adjust your treatment plan.
It’s possible to live a long, happy, and healthy life with diabetes. The key to success is day-to-day management. The above guidelines will help you keep your diabetes under control by making the process easier and more enjoyable for you. In general, it’s been shown that technology can play a major role in empowering and motivating patients to manage their diabetes, so don’t discount the tech devices mentioned above. With a small investment in these tools and tricks, you will be making a big investment in your health. Hopefully this article opened your eyes regarding low-cost tips to manage diabetes as well as the new technology
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