Make Living with Diabetes Easier: Simplify Your Routine
Find ways to make your life easier by simplifying your routine, like having virtual doctor appointments or set recurring medication deliveries.
We all know diabetes can be a major stressor in the lives of the people who have it, whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have had it for a long time. But there are simple, actionable steps you can take to simplify your routine and make living with diabetes easier—because having diabetes complicates things enough already.
Tips to Simplify Your Life
If you use specific diabetes supplies on a routine basis, sign up for auto-delivery so you won’t forget to replenish when quantities get low.
Most insurance companies now cover a 90-day supply of medication, which means less trips to the pharmacy for you. Ask your pharmacy to coordinate your meds so you can refill them all at once.
Telemedicine can take a lot of the hassle out of routine appointments. You might not realize it, but telehealth visits can accomplish many of the same things as an in-person visit.
You’ll save time, sure, but that’s not the only benefit. Using a food delivery service helps limit impulse purchases, too. Check out online options by searching “grocery delivery” in your web browser. Keep in mind: Some delivery services are booked up days in advance, so you may not get that first delivery for a week or two.
“Delicious” and “easy” can go together if you plan ahead. Keep kitchen staples on hand, like old-fashioned oats, eggs, ground turkey, olive oil, vegetable broth, Greek yogurt, canned tomatoes, and canned kidney beans. Using just these ingredients—and a few seasonings from your spice cabinet—you can make the following:
Turkey meatballs: Combine lean ground turkey with oats, egg, pesto, and marinara, then bake in a 450 degree F oven. Get the full recipe!
Savory oatmeal: Cook a half cup of oats in a cup of vegetable broth. Stir in herbs and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and top with a fried egg cooked in olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. For another version of this dish, try this savory Mediterranean oats recipe.
Vegetarian chili: Combine two 15.5-ounce cans of kidney beans (drained) and one 14.5-ounce can of roasted crushed tomatoes (with liquid) with a cup of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency, usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Flavor with chili powder and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Turkey burgers: Combine 8 ounces of ground turkey with a quarter cup of oats and one egg. Create two patties, brush them with olive oil, and grill or pan grill for about six minutes per side, or until cooked through. Add salt and pepper to taste. While you’re at it, try this baja turkey burger too!
Try other healthy and delicious recipes on Diabetes Food Hub®, simply type a food you like in the search bar, like “avocados”, “meatballs”, or “chicken” to find a recipe you and your body will love.
One of the best ways to make living with diabetes easier is to enlist other foodie friends with diabetes for a virtual recipe swap. Here’s how it works: Everybody takes a turn submitting a diabetes-friendly recipe that is then prepared by the rest of the group and enjoyed during a virtual dinner party. Switch things up by focusing on a particular ingredient or specific cuisine. It’s a way to socialize, stay connected with the diabetes community, and expand your collection of go-to recipes.
If your produce often goes bad before you can use it, using a vacuum sealer can help extend the life of your fruits and vegetables. Plus, if you buy larger amounts of fruits and vegetables than you normally do and store them this way, you can reduce trips to the grocery store as well.
There are often less people outside in the mornings, which can mean a more relaxing workout. And, if you’re an older adult, taking walks in the morning can improve your memory and cognition.
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