Diabetes and stamina: How to stay energized
Keeping your energy levels stable if you have diabetes can be a constant challenge.
Not only can daily management of the condition become tiresome, but diabetes itself can also cause other health complications that contribute to fatigue.
In order to stay energized, it's important to manage your condition effectively and adopt healthy lifestyle habits that support your mood and vitality.
Drink More Water
A simple way to boost your energy levels is to drink more water. Diabetics tend to urinate more frequently than other people, which could be causing dehydration. Make sure to have water with you wherever you go, and drink a glass upon waking to jump start your energy and oxygenate your body.
Eat Regularly
Dips in energy can often be traced to irregular eating patterns. Diabetics especially need to maintain regular meal and snack times in order to keep blood sugar stable. Don't stray from a routine – no matter how busy you may be. And make sure each meal or snack is nutritionally balanced with some protein and fat. Foods that are high in carbohydrates may give you a quick rush of energy, but they'll tend to leave you more tired than before shortly after.
Move More
Some diabetics shy away from exercise because they think it will stress the body or worsen their condition. That's not the case. In fact, regular movement is crucial in helping you maintain your energy. Moderate exercise should energize you, not make you fatigued. That said, if your exercise routine seems to be making you tired, talk with your doctor about activities that might be better for your health.
Stress Less
One of the lesser-known symptoms of stress is that it can make you tired – especially after a long time of feeling "wired." When you have a chronic health condition, it's important to find ways to eliminate stressors or deal with them more effectively. Exercise, meditation, yoga, and connecting with nature can be easy ways to calm the body and brain.
Deal with Depression
Depression can be an unfortunate side effect of diabetes, and it can rob you of energy. As long as your depression is unaddressed, your energy levels will probably remain low. See your doctor and ask for help treating depression, which will make managing diabetes easier and help improve your stamina.
See Your Doctor
If you're doing everything right and your energy levels still don't improve, it's a good idea to see your doctor. There may be an underlying hormonal imbalance or other health condition contributing to your fatigue.
Source: Everyday Health
Image credit: Feelart/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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