Managing diabetes can seem daunting, but it’s actually not. Following a healthy lifestyle can help you manage your condition a lot better. Here are some home hacks that may help.
Bedroom
Inadequate sleep can increase levels of the hormone ghrelin (which controls hunger) and decrease levels of leptin (which controls feelings of fullness).
That’s the reason why you may find yourself reaching for sugary foods when you’re sleep deprived or tired.
To encourage more sleep, decorate your bedroom in soothing colors, like blue, and keep electronics away from the bedroom so the bright light doesn’t mess with your ability to fall asleep.
An eye mask, a cold room, and a comfortable bed are some of the secrets to a good night’s sleep. And if you tend to stay up late into the night thinking of all the things you need to do the next day, keep a notepad on your nightstand.
Bathroom
One benefit of exercise for people who have diabetes or are at risk of getting it, is a considerable improvement in insulin resistance. So when it comes to your home, think about what you can do to encourage more movement.
For example, you could set your workout clothes out the night before or leave your yoga mat in a hard-to-miss spot. These would serve as a reminder when you wake up. The bathroom is an excellent place for both of those things.
Also, keep a meter in your bathroom to remind you to check your blood sugar level every morning.
Kitchen
Consider storing your medications in one of your kitchen cabinets away from your sink, stove, or hot appliances. Blood sugar levels can rise when you’re sick. Therefore, make sure that the same cabinet is stocked with common medicines like sugar-free cough syrup.
Also, you can begin to make healthy dietary choices. Start by keeping diabetes-friendly foods, like fruits, vegetables, and sugar-free yogurt, at eye level in the refrigerator. You’ll be more likely to reach for those rather than unhealthy snacks.
Home Office
Start by making your office a snack-free space. If you work in your home office during the day, go to the kitchen for meals and snacks. It’s important to really take a break from work so you can focus on eating mindfully, because shoving food down while checking emails could result in overeating.
To resist unhealthy snacking at home, replace the cookie box on your desk with a glass of water or a plate of fruit.
