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According to the CDC, over 30 million Americans are currently living with diabetes, and another 80 million have prediabetes. Anyone who has diabetes knows how important it is to monitor health. Now with advancing technology and inventive new apps, doing so is easier than ever. Diabetics United takes a look at a few ways you can use technology to take control of your diabetes.
Say goodbye to constant finger pricks.
When you have diabetes, you always have to be aware of your numbers. In the past, this has meant poking your finger with a tiny needle to measure your glucose levels. But advances in technology have changed this with systems such as the FreeStyle Libre, Dexcom, MiaoMiao, Eversense, etc.
These systems utilize Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGMs) through a sensor that you wear continuously on your arm, waist, thighs, and upper gluteus areas of the body. The devices then send data to your smartphone. Whenever you need to check your glucose levels, all you have to do is scan your phone over the sensor.
Exercise is key.
If you have diabetes, you know that diet and exercise are a big component of maintaining good health. In fact, any type of exercise—strength, aerobic, or both—will help with blood sugar control. What’s more, it can help you maintain your health in other ways.
For instance, Harvard Health Publishing notes female diabetics who engaged in moderate exercise at least four times a week were 40 percent less likely to develop heart disease. The keyword is moderate. You don’t have to go out and run a marathon, and in fact, a simple walk can help you meet your exercise goals.
A great way to make sure you are meeting your weekly goals is to invest in a fitness tracker. A smartwatch, which has other practical features that make them even more worth using, is also a handy purchase. The Apple Watch Series 4, for example, not only tracks your steps but also monitors your heart rate and can send a message to emergency responders and your loved ones in the event of a fall. If you’re not an Apple fan, the Fitbit Versa 2 stays on top of your sleep habits, is swim-proof and dirt proof, and has more than 15 exercise modes.
These devices come with their own apps but can also connect with other fitness apps. As an example, MyFitnessPal tracks your calories, maps your runs and can keep track of your water intake. When you combine your fitness monitor with comprehensive fitness app you’ll have greater control over your health.
Track your diet with ease.
Just as important as your fitness routine is what you put in your body. But who wants to look up how much sugar is in something every time they go to eat? The MySugr app makes managing your diabetes a breeze. The app allows you to track your food, medication, and blood sugar. It even links up to your glucose monitor making tracking simple. If you need to get the data to your doctor the app can help with that too. Plus, you’ll be connected with a certified diabetes coach who can help you manage your health.
If you want to see how much sugar is in your food before you put it in your body, Fooducate is the app for you. Fooducate tracks food macros so you can see exactly what you’re putting in your body. The app is also connected to an active online community that provides support, information, and recipes.
There are also several low-tech ideas to incorporate into watching your diet. As Redfin notes, simple things like switching out larger dinner plates with smaller plates make portion sizes seem smaller, thus less intake per serving. As for those impulse-buy snacks from the grocery store, stash those in the back of the pantry, out of sight — you’ll be less likely to indulge if it’s harder to come by.
Managing your diabetes doesn’t have to be difficult. Advances in technology have made taking control of your health easier than ever. There are so many options out there, you don’t have to settle for an app or a product you don’t love. Look around for the product that’s right for you. When you find the app or product that clicks, you’ll be able to manage your diabetes without giving it a second thought.
Diabetics United is a centralized hub neutral to any brand, country, or modality for anything and everything relevant to diabetics. Reach out today for more info!