2) How can I be more active?
Regular exercise is important for everyone, but it's particularly important for people with diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, your cells become more sensitive to insulin when you're active, so it works more effectively. Being active helps manage a healthy weight, which is also important.
You may think that due to your age or physical ability you can't exercise, but talking to a physician can reveal options that fit your personal needs. By pairing real-time CGM use with a more active lifestyle, you can better understand the impact of physical activity on your health and glucose levels. Slow walks, stretching, yoga and even swimming are good, low-impact activities. Check community centers and local gyms for classes that are geared toward seniors. When beginning an exercise regimen, talk to your doctor to discuss any concerns you have and get his or her recommendations on what will work best for you in order to exercise in a safe manner.
3) How can I eat healthier?
Having a nutrition plan is important to managing diabetes. Patients with diabetes have extra nutritional
considerations to keep insulin levels in check. Doctors can provide insight into healthy eating and explain how carbohydrates impact blood glucose levels. You can also see how certain foods impact your levels with the use of a real-time CGM, which is insight that can help you eat and meal plan more mindfully.
You can also consider speaking with a registered dietitian to help you evaluate your eating habits and create a nutrition plan with foods you enjoy that are also complementary to a healthy diabetes lifestyle.
Let these questions help guide you to a productive conversation about diabetes with your doctors and other members of your health care team. To learn more about the Dexcom G6 real time CGM and reimbursement options, visit dexcomnow.com.