4 Living Healthy Ask the doctor Dr. Mai Bui-Duy is a Medical Director at Central California Alliance for Health. She practiced internal medicine primary care in Santa Cruz County for seven years and has 15 years of experience in the medical field. How can I better manage diabetes? Managing diabetes can feel like a lot at times. Aiming for small, healthy habits each day can make a big difference. Here are some simple ways to help manage diabetes. What foods should I eat? Try using the Diabetes Plate method to help plan balanced meals. Use a 9-inch plate and fill: ■ Half with non-starchy vegetables like broccoli or spinach. ■ One-quarter with lean protein like chicken, fish, eggs or beans. ■ One-quarter with healthy carbs like fruit or whole grains. Eating balanced meals can help you manage blood sugar levels. How much exercise do I need? Being active can help lower your blood sugar. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. You do not have to do it all at once. Try: ■ Taking the stairs instead of the elevator. ■ Going for three 10-minute walks each day. ■ Using a fitness tracker or app to help you stay active. To sign up for the Live Better with Diabetes program, call the Alliance Health Education Line at 800700‑3874, ext. 5580, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit www.thealliance.health/ health-programs-sign-up.
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