Strategy for Managing Diabetes

• Reduce total calories to achieve weight reduction in overweight/obese patients
• Monitor grams of carbohydrate consumption daily as well as carbohydrate sources
• Aim for meal-to-meal consistency in carbohydrate intake
• Avoid skipping meals
• Decrease saturated fat to less than 10% of total calories
• Limit salt to 1500 mg per day if hypertension is present
• Limit alcohol intake

Because foods high in added sugars can rapidly increase blood glucose levels, reducing added sugars in the diet is important.

Utilizing zero-calorie, all natural  Stevia In The Raw is an easy way to retain the taste and palatability of favorite foods and drinks, while reducing calories, added sugars and carbohydrates.

Exercise is also key to managing blood sugar.  Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity, help with weight control and manage stress.  Remind patients to check with their health care provider before beginning a new exercise program.

If lifestyle interventions fail to restore blood glucose to normal or near-normal levels, intervention with prescription medications should be considered by the health care team.