Diabetes management in 10 minutes or less

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Put your shoes by the door

Take a minute to put a pair of slip-on shoes and socks near the door so you aren’t tempted to go outside barefoot. Make sure your slippers are in a handy location too, so you’ll remember to wear them inside to avoid injury.

This is just one of many simple, quick tips that can be done in minutes to better manage your diabetes and prevent complications.

Do a quick body scan

As you dry off from your shower each day, inspect your body from head to toe. Look for dry, red or sore spots that could become infected. Don’t forget the places where moisture can hide and bacteria can grow. Check under your arms and breasts, and between your legs and toes. Pay special attention to your feet. Use a mirror to help you see all over and treat injuries quickly.

Prepare emergency snack packs

Put a few glucose tablets or five or six hard sweets into bags. Always carry a few with you when you go out in case hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, strikes. It’s hypoglycaemia, or a hypo, when blood sugar drops below 2.5 mmol/l (millimoles per litre). You may feel, dizzy, hungry or shaky. Skipping a meal, taking too much diabetes medication and exercising harder than usual without eating can trigger it.

Take a 2-minute test

Put your glucose monitor on your bedside table to remind you to check blood sugar first thing in the morning and before bedtime, if your doctor advises. Target readings are 3.5–5.5mmol/litre before meals, less than 8mmol/litre, 2 hours after meals.

Put a tag on your gym bag

Does your doctor recommend you check your glucose levels? Make a reminder for yourself. Checking before and after exercise can help you learn how it affects your levels and it may help you avoid dangerous drops in blood sugar levels.

Make insulin work for your lifestyle

If your days are fast-paced and meal times are unpredictable, ask your doctor about rapid-acting or fast-acting insulin. It may be a convenient addition to your current therapy. These rapidly acting insulins can be taken just before eating and have an effect on your blood sugars within 30 minutes.

Power up your diet

Get healthy eating tips. Diabetes UK has plenty of low glycaemic index suggestions, meaning they aren't likely to cause spikes in blood sugar. They are also packed with important nutrients. Put a list on your fridge so it's at the ready when you make your shopping list, plan meals or look in the fridge for something to eat.

Drink some water

High glucose causes your body to lose fluid, and your skin can get dry. It may get itchy or crack, and that can lead to infection. Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic fluids to help your skin stay moisturised and healthy.

Remember your medical alert bracelet

Put your medical alert bracelet or pendant near your watch, rings or other jewellery you wear every day. This may help you remember to wear it. Or keep it near your toothbrush or keys. In an emergency where you’re confused or unable to speak, it can save critical time by letting others know about your diabetes.

Exercise in spurts

Exercising 30 minutes a day is an important part of managing your diabetes, but it can be difficult to fit into a busy lifestyle. Break it up into three 10-minute spurts instead. Try 10 minutes of strength training in the morning. Play an active game with the family during the day or take a brisk stroll at lunchtime. Walk with the dog.