Diabetes: 10 Habits for a Healthy New Year

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Thinking about making some changes to improve your health and your life in 2023?

The New Year is always a good time to take a closer look at what you're doing well and where you can improve. Consider making some simple lifestyle changes to manage your diabetes better.

These 10 health habits will help control blood sugar levels and protect your health. Pick one, work on it until it's easy, then pick another healthy habit.

1. Be more active

You don't have to run a marathon or climb a mountain, but regular physical activity can help control weight, reduce stress, improve sleep, and more. Aim for 20 minutes of light exercise per day.

2. Get your Zzzs

Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Sleep helps regulate hormone levels that help regulate hunger and cravings, reduces stress, strengthen the immune system and more.

3. Eat healthy foods

You know…More fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Not sure where to get started? Just check out the complete list of Diabetic-Friendly meals here.

4. Eat breakfast

Eating the right foods at the right time is a smart way to help regulate blood sugar levels. A healthy breakfast is a great way to start each day. Check out these new Diabetic-Friendly breakfast meals:

Breakfast Scramble with Asparagus & Hash Browns
Cheese Omelet with Peppers & Onions, Diced Red Potatoes & Diced Pears
Cheese Omelet with Roasted Potatoes
Egg Patty with Roasted Potatoes and Grits
French Toast, Chicken Sausage, & Blueberry
French Toast with Turkey Sausage Patty, Potatoes and Strawberries
Pancakes with Turkey Sausage & Strawberry Sauce
Pancakes with Turkey Sausage, Roasted Potatoes & Blueberry Sauce
Waffles with Egg Patty and Blueberries
Waffles with Turkey Sausage and Strawberries

5. Eat fiber-rich foods

Foods high in fiber take longer to digest, which helps regular blood sugar levels. Examples of high-fiber foods include legumes, broccoli, berries, and whole grains.

6. Eat low-fat foods

Choose low-fat dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, cottage cheese). And instead of ice-cream, try one of these low-fat desserts:

Sin Free Strawberry Sorbet
Nutreat Variety Superfood Snack

7. Check your feet

When you have diabetes, you're at risk for cuts, sores, blisters and other problems on your feet. Left unchecked, these can lead to nerve damage, poor circulation, and even amputation. Check your feet daily to catch any problems early and get treated.

8. Avoid or limit salt

Avoid or limit foods high in sodium like processed meals, canned meats, and fried foods. And season your foods with herbs and spices instead of the salt shaker.

9. Check blood sugar levels

Instead of guessing or even ignoring how you might be feeling, check your blood sugar levels. Food and medication can help regulate blood sugar levels. Controlling blood sugar levels can help prevent complications associated with diabetes.

10. Be optimistic

Smile more. Looking on the bright side. Develop an optimistic attitude. Keep a journal and write down things you're grateful for.