Did you know that April is Defeat Diabetes Month? Springtime is here, and now is the perfect time to begin living a healthier lifestyle. People at risk for diabetes can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease by adopting a diabetes management plan, which is essential for those who already have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

A great start to your journey in defeating diabetes is to keep track of what you eat and check your blood sugar about one to one and a half hours after eating is. Maintain a food and blood glucose written log. Choose healthy food and beverage options and be physically active to maintain a proper body weight. Individuals with prediabetes or diabetes should pay attention to the amount of carbohydrates in their daily dietary intake because carbohydrates turn into sugar. It may be easier to control your blood sugar if you don’t drink too much alcohol. According to the American Diabetes Association, women who drink alcohol should have no more than one drink a day, and men should have no more than two. Check your blood sugar before you drink, and eat when you’re drinking if you use insulin or take medication for your diabetes.

Obesity and smoking are additional factors that make managing diabetes difficult and also increase risk factors for cardiovascular disease and foot problems. Being physically active for at least 30 minutes a day and giving up smoking can lower your risk of developing diabetes. If you have already been diagnosed with the disease, physical activity and weight management are beneficial in controlling it and minimizing the negative health consequences. Regular physical activity also helps reduce stress.

Routine checkups with your doctor, an annual comprehensive eye exam and visiting a foot doctor to check for foot problems are recommended if you have diabetes. If you are taking insulin, be sure to store it properly because improper storage or usage beyond an expiration date can make it ineffective. Also, be cautious with new medication that your doctor prescribes to treat another condition or any over-the-counter medication you want to use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the medication may affect your blood sugar levels, and always report problems to your doctor.

Carmichael’s Cashway Retail Pharmacy in Crowley, Louisiana can help you live your best life and maintain a healthy lifestyle with high quality products and excellent services. We have a large selection of diabetic supplies in our Retail Pharmacy, and our pharmacists in our Compounding Pharmacy can compound custom- prescribed medications to meet your individual needs. We also have several convenient ways for you to refill your prescriptions. Contact or visit our Crowley location for more information.