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8 Tips for Living with Type-2 Diabetes

Discovering ways to effectively manage type 2 diabetes is crucial for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life. In this article, we present eight invaluable tips that will empower you to take charge of your diabetes journey.

The most common type of diabetes is type 2, which occurs when your blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your primary source of energy, and it is derived primarily from the foods you consume. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, aids in the transport of glucose into cells for use as energy.

In type 2 diabetes, your body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin effectively. The result, is that too much glucose remains in your blood, while not enough reaches your cells.

The good news is, that you can take steps to avoid or postpone the onset of type 2 diabetes. In this article, we are going to discuss some important tips for living with type 2 diabetes!

Tip 1: Remember to Take Your Medications

If you have been prescribed a medication by your doctor, it's important not to forget to take it in time. If you forget to take your medications, it can cause your blood sugar levels to rise and may lead to preventable complications. If you are unsure how to take your medications or when to take them, get in touch with your doctor immediately.

Similarly, if you are regularly getting unwanted side effects from your medication, speak to a healthcare professional who can offer an alternative.

Tip 2: Be Active

Exercise is important in the fight against diabetes¹. Even the smallest amounts of physical activity, like yoga or walking, have been shown to have huge positive effects on the body and mind. Jogging and other forms of exercise can improve your mood and keep you in shape.

Please note that before trying a new workout regimen, you have to consult with your doctor.

Tip3: Test your blood sugar regularly

Consider your glucose meter to be your personal guideline when it comes to blood sugar management. These data can point the way toward factors that affect your blood glucose by testing before and after certain events such as meals and exercise. How much does walking lower blood glucose levels? Is sleeping beneficial in lowering your glucose levels? Also, when planning your diet, it's critical to understand how certain foods affect your blood glucose levels in comparison to others.

Remember that the goal of collecting glucose readings is to provide you with information to help you and your doctor to optimize your therapy.

Tip 4: Control Your Weight

Your insulin sensitivity can decrease with excess body weight. Which will worsen your Type 2 diabetes. According to studies², reducing your body fat will help you lower your blood sugar levels and lessen your risk of developing cardiovascular problems.

Because type 2 diabetes is linked to insulin resistance, it's crucial to be aware that being overweight or obese has been linked to the start or aggravation of the disease.

When your body struggles to effectively use the hormone insulin to control your blood glucose levels, you develop insulin resistance.

Shedding pounds may aid in lowering blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance. However you should always talk to your doctor before trying to lose weight in an attempt to control your type 2 diabetes.

Tip 5: Watch your diet

Optimizing your mealtime choices, especially sugary carbs, can help you manage your diabetes and improve your general health, because food has a significant impact on blood glucose levels.

Eating three meals a day at regular intervals is the foundation of a diabetes diet. This improves how well you use the insulin your body makes or receives from a medicine.

You can create a diet based on your health objectives, preferences, and lifestyle with the assistance of a trained dietitian. Additionally, he or she can advise you on how to change your eating patterns, such as by picking portions that are appropriate for your size and level of activity.

Tip 6: Stop smoking

We know it's not as simple as it sounds, but smoking is especially dangerous to your health if you have diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke. By constricting your blood vessels, smoking³ simply increases your risk. It can also cause blood vessel damage in your legs, making you more susceptible to diabetes complications like leg infections and amputation.

It can be extremely difficult to quit smoking on your own, so don't feel ashamed if you can't do it. If you require assistance, consult your doctor.

Tip 7: Drink responsibly (if at all)

If you have diabetes, Alcohol consumption can either cause your blood sugar to spike or fall. If you drink, do it in moderation and only when your blood sugar and diabetes are under control.

Consult your doctor to determine whether alcohol use is safe for you.

Tip 8: Get Plenty of Sleep

Numerous studies have demonstrated that irregular sleep, excessive sleep, and nighttime awakenings all contribute to glucose intolerance. A person's prediabetes or diabetes will also go worse if they get too little sleep.

A vital component of leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle is getting enough sleep. At least eight hours of sleep per night should be your goal.

In today's culture, it's understandable if you can't commit to the eight hours, but you can make up for it by getting more sleep on the weekends.

It's crucial to avoid obtaining too much sleep, as this could raise your risk of having a heart attack!!

Conclusion

By implementing these tips, you can take control of your type 2 diabetes and lead a fulfilling life while effectively managing your health. Remember, diabetes management is a lifelong journey, and it's essential to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized plan that suits your specific needs. With dedication and self-care, you can successfully navigate the challenges of living with type 2 diabetes and enjoy a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

References

1. Kanaley JA, Colberg SR, Corcoran MH, Malin SK, Rodriguez NR, Crespo CJ, Kirwan JP, Zierath JR. Exercise/Physical Activity in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Consensus Statement from the American College of Sports Medicine. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2022 Feb 1;54(2):353-368. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002800. PMID: 35029593; PMCID: PMC8802999. [PubMed]

2. Apovian CM, Okemah J, O'Neil PM. Body Weight Considerations in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes. Adv Ther. 2019 Jan;36(1):44-58. doi: 10.1007/s12325-018-0824-8. Epub 2018 Nov 21. PMID: 30465123; PMCID: PMC6318231. [PubMed]

3. Maddatu J, Anderson-Baucum E, Evans-Molina C. Smoking and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Transl Res. 2017 Jun;184:101-107. doi: 10.1016/j.trsl.2017.02.004. Epub 2017 Mar 6. PMID: 28336465; PMCID: PMC5429867. [PubMed]

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