4 Tips for Managing Diabetes During Chaos and Stress

As myself and my neighbors are adjusting to a new normal in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, this month I share the most important things to do to manage your blood sugar when you are hit by a hurricane, other big storm or personal crisis.

It would have been better to have this information earlier but we all know Hurricane Michael didn’t give us much warning. Hopefully you will still find it helpful.

Here are 4 Tips for Managing Diabetes During Chaos and Stress

1. Take your medication. Your medications are the most effective tool to manage your diabetes.  It’s not hard but you may need a reminder. Try using a phone application (app) or a timer.  It’s easy to set timers or reminders on your smart phone.
2. Eat three times a day. There’s a good chance your meals will not be as balanced or nutritious as usual.  At a minimum make sure to eat something that includes carbohydrate (e.g. grains, fruit, milk/yogurt) and protein (e.g. meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter) at each of the three meals. Doing this can help keep your glucose stable.
3. Try not to “stress eat” (my husband’s bad habit).  Having meals on a schedule can help you from getting too hungry.  Try to think about what else you can do besides eat when you feel stress.  Going to bed or calling a friend may lead to less regret.
4. Find ways to relax, even if it’s for only a few minutes.  Breathe deeply.  Try meditating.  (You might like Headspace to learn how).  Pray.  Listen to music. Write in a journal.  Read.  Work a crossword puzzle.  Do yoga.  (My favorite is Yoga with Adriene, that I can do at home anytime).

Understand that stress will likely increase your blood sugar.

When our ancestors were under stress they needed energy to run or fight a big hairy beast. The liver puts glucose (energy) into the blood stream. That happens to this day, though today our stress is not associated with fighting a big hairy beast but rather a big hairy hurricane. 

When you have diabetes, the surge of glucose from the liver may make your blood sugar too high since you don’t make enough insulin. There are some things that are beyond our control. While it is impossible to be perfect in taking care of your diabetes, following the suggestions listed above should help.

In summary, take your medications, eat moderate amounts of food at least three times a day and explore ways to relax your mind and body. These tips can help you level out your blood sugar and help your body help you through these troubled and stressful times.

For more help and support, reach out to me on Facebook. If you liked this, you might like Getting (and giving) Support with Diabetes.