Diabetes 101: Morning Routine

1. Wake Up Consistently Without Losing Sleep

   Aim for a consistent wake-up time each day, including weekends, to regulate your internal clock and stabilise daily blood sugar levels. While blood sugar may still vary, adequate sleep is crucial for insulin sensitivity. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule by waking and sleeping at the same times daily can enhance your sleep quality.

2. Immediately upon waking up:

   • Expose your face to sunlight to sync your circadian rhythm! This can assist in natural waking, boost your mood and hormones, and contribute to better sleep the next night.
   • Check blood sugar levels to get a baseline reading for the day. This can help you adjust your diabetes management plan as needed.
   • Record the readings in a logbook or diabetes management app.

3. Take your medication

   • If you have been prescribed medication to manage your diabetes make sure to take them as prescribed. 
   • Don't forget to take your prescribed medications.

4. Stay hydrated

   • Hydrate your body by drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning. Drinking enough water is especially important for people managing diabetes, aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day. This contains almost 2L water per day.
   • Adding a substantial sprinkle of sea salt to your initial glass of water in the day may improve your body's water absorption.

5. Health and balanced breakfast:

   • Eat a balanced breakfast that iis a breakfast rich in protein, healthy fats, and optional carbohydrates, if desired or necessary.
   • Prioritise whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, proteins, and fats, and consume highly processed foods in moderation.
   • Examples: Oatmeal with nuts and berries, scrambled eggs with vegetables, spinach and cheese omelet.

6. Exercise:

   • Try to incorporate at least 30 min of exercise into your morning routine. 
   • Consult with your healthcare provider about the best exercise regimen for your specific situation.

7. Stay consistent:

   • Maintaining consistency in the morning routine. Stick to your routine as closely as possible, even on weekends and holidays.

8. Plan for the day:

   • Plan your meals and snacks for the day, considering carbohydrate content and portion sizes. Don't forget to count your carbs!
   • Spread your carbohydrate intake evenly throughout the day to prevent blood sugar spikes.

9. Before leaving home (if applicable):

   • Pack essential diabetes supplies, including glucose tablets or snacks, insulin, syringes or insulin pens, a blood glucose meter, and any necessary medications, having all you diabetes supplies organised in 1 place my help you not forget anything, have a look at the Glucology Organiser as an example.

10. Throughout the morning:

    • Practice self-care activities, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, or engaging in hobbies that reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

It's important to note that the specific timing of these actions can vary based on individual preferences, medication requirements, and healthcare provider recommendations. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing your diabetes and adjusting your routine as needed.

Interested in how exercise impacts diabetes management? Check out these popular articles on our blog:

- How to Safely Exercise with Diabetes

- The Best Workouts for Blood Sugar Control

- Managing Blood Sugar Levels During and After Exercise

- Exercise Tips for People with Type 1 Diabetes

Explore our blog for more tips and resources on diabetes and exercise.

Managing diabetes can be challenging, but having a strong support system is crucial for maintaining good health. A supportive community plays a vital role in helping people with diabetes manage their condition more effectively. Whether it’s friends, family, or healthcare professionals, a network of support can provide encouragement, advice, and emotional assistance, making the day-to-day management of diabetes easier.

Connecting with others who understand the challenges of diabetes can also be empowering. Diabetes support groups and online communities, like those engaged with Glucology, offer a space to share experiences, learn new management strategies, and find motivation to stay on track. These communities also provide valuable insights into the latest products and tools, such as Glucology’s range of diabetes accessories, that can simplify life with diabetes.

Having access to practical tools and emotional support ensures that people managing diabetes feel less isolated and more in control of their health. From blood glucose monitoring to insulin therapy, a strong support system helps individuals stay focused on achieving their health goals while improving their quality of life. Joining a diabetes support community can make all the difference in managing your condition with confidence and success.