How to manage your health when you have CHF and diabetes
Juggling multiple chronic conditions isn’t easy. These tips can help you get a handle on both, so that you can focus on living your life.
Heart failure and diabetes often coexist, but they don’t necessarily need to be handled separately. The following strategies can help make living with both a little easier.
1. Build a new healthy habit
Maybe it’s learning to meditate. Or maybe it’s having a vegetable at each meal. Or perhaps it’s a goal to stop smoking.
Big or small, just pick one thing that motivates you.
2. Set meaningful goals
Focus on small milestones that give you a sense of progress. For instance, both heart failure and diabetes can cause fatigue. Movement can help ease it. So, one possible goal could be to add mini “movement snacks” into your day. Start with a few minutes and go from there. Make sure to talk to your physician before starting a new exercise routine.
3. Review your medications
Some newer medications may help treat both CHF and diabetes. Your physician can review your medications and determine if a treatment that manages both is right for you.
4. Keep an eye on sodium levels
Eating less salt can help lower your blood pressure and reduce excess fluid in your body.
Try these tips:
- Keep portions small.
- Try to eat more meals at home.
- Use salt-free seasonings.
- Drain and rinse canned beans and veggies.
Medications Your Way
See our sources:
Heart failure signs and symptoms: American Heart Association
Understanding type 2 diabetes: American Diabetes Association
Heart failure and diabetes: Mayo Clinic
Low-sodium diet benefits: Cleveland Clinic and JAMA
