Finding Balance: My Journey of Managing Diabetes Holistically

We take some things in life for granted, most often our health! Watching my father-in-law trying to manage diabetes made me realize that we need to take care of our health now more than ever.  I have seen him take medicines and talk to our physician to know what he can do to manage his diabetes better. I realized that being the primary caregiver in his diabetes journey, I wanted to support him at every step so his life would be fulfilling.

With our physician’s guidance, I decided to take charge of my family’s health. I learnt that to manage diabetes, a balance of nutrition, exercise, medication, and lifestyle changes are important components. While there are no shortcuts, there are tools and ways to help you along the way.

The Importance of Holistic Management:

Diabetes management isn’t about one solution. It’s about incorporating changes into your everyday lifestyle. Regular exercise is important, whether it’s a brisk walk, strength training, Zumba, yoga, or even light stretching. Whatever you like to do, you need to move your body every day. Nutrition is equally important. Make mindful food choices, such as including leafy greens, berries, nuts, lentils, etc. in your meals.

Additionally, medication, as prescribed by your physician, proper sleep, hydration, and stress management all play a role in managing diabetes.

How Ensure Diabetes Care Fits into My Journey:

While researching, I came across Ensure Diabetes Care. After consulting our physician, I added it to my father-in-law's daily routine.

Ensure Diabetes Care is the #1 selling diabetes nutrition drink in the world.⁴ My father-in-law noticed better management of blood sugar levels in 4 weeks.¹

What I love about it is that it’s powered with a Triple Care System² of high fibre, high-quality protein and 36 nutrients. It helps manage common diabetes symptoms like fatigue⁶ and weight⁵.

Every morning, when my father-in-law returns from his daily walk, I prepare a glass of Ensure Diabetes Care. As his doctor says that this small habit fits seamlessly into our day, giving him confidence that he’s taking proactive steps toward better health.

The most important lesson we’ve learned is that managing diabetes is taking charge of health one step at a time. By making these small changes, I have become more active and alert as a caregiver.

I’ve incorporated some key foods into his meals that are known to support blood sugar management³:

●        Berries are packed with antioxidants and natural sweetness.

●        Nuts and seeds are great for curbing hunger between meals.

●        Lentils and legumes for lasting energy.

Consult Your Physician: The Most Important Step

I recommend that anyone living with diabetes or looking to prevent it, to consult their physician. Every person’s journey is unique, and medical guidance ensures that your approach is safe and effective. Whether you’re introducing a diabetes-specific nutrition drink like Ensure Diabetes Care or adjusting your exercise routine, a doctor’s input is invaluable.

With the right mindset and a holistic approach, managing diabetes becomes less about restriction and more about living well.

As we sit here now, enjoying our routine, me with a book and my father-in-law with a glass of Ensure Diabetes Care, we feel grateful for the experiences we are gaining.

Management isn’t about perfection; it’s about balance. And with small intentional choices, we can all create a future where diabetes doesn’t limit us.

 

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views, solely of the blogger. Always consult a nutritionist /doctor before making any changes to your diet. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Abbott Healthcare Private Limited (Nutrition Division).

Abbott ID IN-ENS-APR-2025-1743677854

References:

1. There was significant reduction in HbA1c & FBS in the intervention group compared to control at 1st month & at the end of the study when used along with lifestyle intervention in overweight and obese adults with T2DM. Mohan V et al. J. Assoc. Phys. Ind. 2019; 67(12) 25-30
2. Akhlaghi M. The role of dietary fibres in regulating appetite, an overview of mechanisms and weight. consequences. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(10):3139-3150.
3. Andrew Reynolds, Joanna Mitri, et. al. (2024). Dietary Advice For Individuals with Diabetes. National Library of medicine.
4. Source: Euromonitor International Limited; total global retail sales in 2024 for diabetic diet enhancer drinks. Euromonitor and Abbott calculation based in part on custom research conducted between September and October 2024 and Euromonitor Passport Consumer Health 2025 based on 2024 data.
5. When 1- 2 serves/day are used as a meal replacement in diabetes management plan [diet advice & exercise] in over-weight diabetic adults. Sun J et al. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17(3):514-24. Chee et al BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2017;5(1)
6. Due to reduction in fasting, post-prandial blood glucose, glycemic variability and HbA1c levels. Mohan V et al. J. Assoc. Phys. Ind. 2019; 67(12) 25-30, Chee et al BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2017;5(1), Quirk et al. Translational Metabolic Syndrome Research, Volume 3, 2020, Pages 17-20. (Nutrients like Protein, B Complex vitamins, Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium and Energy)