November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, which means a focus on prevention, education, and natural control. There are plenty of ways to help your body regulate your blood sugar levels naturally so it doesn’t have to work as hard to bring them down. Tactics include hydrotherapy, adjustments to diet, incorporating stress-reducing activities into your routine, and sticking with an exercise plan.
Here are a few of the most effective ways to control diabetes naturally during American Diabetes Month:
1. Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy can help increase blood flow to skeletal muscles, and has been recommended to some people with type 2 diabetes who cannot exercise. Hydrotherapy can come in a variety of forms including using a hot tub, a steam room, or a bath.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when controlling diabetes naturally is taking care of your body and mind holistically. When you focus on living a healthy lifestyle, you prevent further damage from being done. Hydrotherapy has been known to improve sleep, overall wellness, muscle tension, bone and joint tension relief, and relaxation.
You can take advantage of the benefits of hydrotherapy at home with a personal walk-in tub. Walk-in tubs provide a healthy, relaxing, enjoyable experience that both your body and mind will thank you for. Just be sure to be mindful of temperature, as diabetic neuropathy may restrict you from sensing water that is too hot.
2. Develop an Exercise Routine
Exercising regularly can help your body to become more insulin sensitive, meaning the sugar in your bloodstream is better put to use. Since your muscles are working and require energy, your body sources that energy from your blood sugar, helping you keep it at a manageable level. Of course, blood sugar levels should still be regularly checked when it comes to controlling your diabetes. You may begin to notice a decrease in fluctuation after developing and sticking to an exercise routine.
3. Reduce Your Stress Levels
One factor of controlling your diabetes that is often overlooked is stress levels. When your body is stressed, hormones are released that result in increased blood sugar levels. Try managing your stress by experimenting with stress-reducing activities such as meditating, yoga, or reading.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is great for your health overall. But it’s especially beneficial when it comes to ways to control diabetes naturally because it helps your kidneys flush out excess blood sugar through urination. Try treating yourself to a brand new reusable water bottle that you can take with you everywhere. Make sure to fill it up before you leave the house. If drinking enough water is difficult for you, try setting an alarm on your phone that goes off every couple hours reminding you to drink water.
5. Get a Restful Night’s Sleep
Make sure you’re doing all that you can to get a sufficient amount of sleep every night. Quality, restful sleep helps your body make the most of this recovery time by allowing it to rest and repair itself. Poor sleeping habits can result in high blood sugar levels and can affect insulin sensitivity.
There are plenty of ways to help your body control your blood sugar levels, which in turn is beneficial for your insulin sensitivity. This November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, which means it’s also your chance to make adjustments to your lifestyle that will help you to control diabetes naturally.
*Diabetes is a serious health concern and these recommendations are only for general education. Please consult your doctor if you have diabetes or other health issues before implementing any of the above changes.
