When you have type 2 diabetes, it’s important to manage the condition to prevent complications.
Type 2 diabetes is long-term condition that affects how your body uses sugar
Having type 2 diabetes means your body isn’t producing enough insulin (or able to use the insulin that is produced) or can’t respond properly to insulin. That leads to sugar — called glucose — building up in your blood instead of being converted and used as energy.
Managing type 2 diabetes involves monitoring your blood sugar levels, eating healthy food and getting plenty of exercise.
Follow these 10 tips for managing this chronic condition effectively:
1. Learn about the impact of type 2 diabetes
If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it’s important to understand what this means and how best to manage the condition. Some of the common impacts of type 2 diabetes include increased risk of heart disease and stroke, nerve damage in your feet and eye disease. The more closely you manage your diabetes, the more likely you are to prevent complications. That means closely monitoring your condition and taking steps to keep your blood sugar levels on track.
2. Check your feet regularly
When you’re living with diabetes, it’s important to look after your feet. This includes regular foot checks and wearing the right shoes. You should see your doctor at least every year to check your blood sugar levels and your feet. Checking your feet regularly is important as diabetes can cause damage to your feet. This can lead to infections or ulcers. If you see that your feet are getting red or swollen, you should see your doctor right away. You might need antibiotics to prevent an infection. You should also check your feet if you feel tingling or numbness. These are signs that you may have nerve damage. And it’s especially important to check your feet if you have any cuts or blisters as diabetes makes you more vulnerable to infections.
3. Get moving — exercise is key
Exercise is vital to managing type 2 diabetes. It helps to reduce your blood sugar levels, insulin resistance and weight. So it’s important to find an exercise you enjoy. If you’re just starting out, try to get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. If you’re already doing 150 minutes of exercise a week, try to do more. Your doctor may recommend an exercise program if you’re not getting the right amount of exercise. They can also help you find the right exercise program for you. You can also try these 6 simple ways to get more exercise as part of your daily routine.
4. Eat nutritious food and monitor your portions
You don’t have to give up all the foods you love when you have type 2 diabetes. But you do need to cut back on unhealthy foods and eat a balanced diet. You should aim for a diet that’s high in fibre, low in fat and that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You should also try to avoid sugary drinks and foods with a high glycemic index. That includes starchy foods like potatoes, pasta and rice. It’s also important to monitor your portions as type 2 diabetes can make it more difficult to know when you’re full.
5. Test your blood sugar and know what’s normal for you
Testing your blood sugar levels regularly is important, as it allows you to track how your body is responding to the insulin you’re taking. You should test your blood sugar levels at least once a day – more often if you have high blood sugar levels. You should also try to keep track of your blood sugar levels, both when you’re feeling well and when you’re experiencing symptoms like extreme thirst or frequent urination. This will help you to understand how your body responds to certain foods. You can find out what’s normal for you by talking to your doctor.
6. Get an eye examination every year
Type 2 diabetes can cause eye problems. This can happen if your blood sugar levels are high. This can damage the blood vessels in your retina. If they’re not treated, this can lead to vision loss. If you have type 2 diabetes, get an eye examination every year. You should also make sure you’re wearing glasses or contact lenses if you need them. And you should always wear sunglasses when you’re outside to protect your eyes from UV rays.
7. Manage stress and depression
Living with type 2 diabetes can put you at risk of developing stress and depression. While you can’t completely avoid these conditions, there are some things you can do to manage them. You can try exercising, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and spending time with friends and family. You can also talk to a doctor about antidepressants if you feel they’d be helpful. If you feel stressed or depressed, it’s important to seek help. You can’t manage these conditions on your own.
8. Be careful with medications
Many people with type 2 diabetes take medication to control their condition. But some medications can make your blood sugar levels harder to control. So it’s important to discuss which medications are best for you with your doctor. If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend that you take certain supplements as well. But it’s important to note that there’s no evidence that these supplements improve blood sugar control. They should be treated as an addition to your diabetes care, not as a replacement for it.
9. Ask your doctor about diabetes supplements you can take
There are a number of supplements available to help people with diabetes manage their condition. The supplements include alpha-lipoic acid, inositol, chromium, coenzyme q10, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, ursolic acid, vanadium, ursolic acid, vanadium, and more. While each of these supplements may claim to reduce your blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, they are not proven to be effective. It’s best to discuss supplements with your doctor before you start taking them. They can let you know if they think the supplements would be helpful for you.
10. Monitor your weight and cholesterol
It’s important to keep an eye on your weight and cholesterol levels if you have type 2 diabetes. This will help you to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. If your weight is too high, it could make your blood sugar levels harder to control. You can find out what your ideal weight is by taking a BMI (body mass index) test. You can also ask your doctor for a blood test to check your cholesterol levels. If your cholesterol levels are too high, your doctor may recommend that you take medication.
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Email: info@drcbeds.org.uk
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