Here’s a list on the management of type 2 diabetes that will help you live a longer, healthier, and happier life.
This list is kind of long, but every tip is pure gold.
Here we go…
Management of Type 2 Diabetes – 21 Tips
- Drink lots of water – when you become dehydrated, you become more insulin resistant
- Don’t skip breakfast – skipping breakfast makes you 4.5 times more likely to become obese according to research found at the University of Massachussetts
- Test your blood sugar regularly – the best times to test are right before eating, 2 hours after the first bite of food and before you go to bed (Know these 3 glucose numbers cold: A1C – 3 month test, FPG – fasting blood sugar which is your morning readings, and PPG – after meal glucose readings)
- Manage stress to help keep your blood sugar under control and lower your A1C levels (chronic stress can result in elevated blood sugar levels in people with diabetes because of the hormones cortisol and catecholamines which act to reduce the effectiveness of insulin and increase insulin resistance)
- Eat small meals more frequently – studies found that eating small meals every 3 hours helped the body better use insulin
- Learn why your doctor is prescribing the medicines they are for you – this will help you to value the importance of taking your medicines if you are on any for controlling your blood sugar
- Don’t miss any doses of your medications – remind yourself when to take them and review with your doctor or pharmacist how best to take them
- Check your eyes yearly to make sure your eyes are healthy – diabetes damages the small vessels of your eyes when your blood sugar levels are high for a long period of time
- Speak to your doctor about checking your kidneys routinely – diabetes can damage your kidneys which are responsible for filtering your blood
- Get a dental checkup two times per year – high blood sugar can put you at risk for gum disease
- Have your feet checked for nerve damage and slow healing blisters or cuts
- Work with a group of experts – personal trainer, dietician, and/or certified diabetes educator – these people will help you through any obstacles or challenges
- Control your weight – the more fat you have the more insulin requirements you have to help control your blood sugar levels
- Cut back on sugary drinks or soda and swap them out for diet drinks instead
- Start walking at least 10 minutes after each meal
- Reduce your food portions regularly – take baby steps until you get to a portion size that is agreeable with your blood sugar levels
- Join a gym and exercise regularly – it doesn’t have to be anything to vigorous (small amounts will pay dividends in your blood sugar control)
- Trade high fat food for low fat food options
- Check your blood pressure regularly when visiting your physician, know your cholesterol levels and keep them in check
- Drink a glass of water before each meal to help ensure that you don’t overeat
- Don’t eat too late – set a time for your last meal each night and only add a snack if you feel hungry – for most people eating too large of a meal the night before will negatively impact their morning blood sugar readings
Prior to using any of this material, please consult with your doctor.