Managing Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong commitment. A commitment to
good health, and to putting YOURSELF first. Here is a list of the top ten
things you can do to manage your type two diabetes.
1. Weight Control. If you are overweight, work with your medical team
to create a diet of portion controlled meals, and lose weight slowly
over time, by eating properly. Even losing ten pounds can help to
decrease your heart disease risks by lowering blood pressure, insulin
resistance, and body fat.
2. Exercise. Start slowly if necessary. Regular exercise improves your
body’s use of insulin, helps you to lose weight, improves blood
circulation and reduces stress. Within a short time your body and mind
will crave the regular exercise as part of your daily routine. Walk,
swim, take an aerobics or aqua-size class, or ride a bike. These are all
excellent types of exercise.
3. Check your blood sugar regularly. This is critically important in
managing diabetes. If you don’t know your blood sugar, there is no
way to monitor your diet. The Mayo Clinic supplies an excellent article
called “Blood Sugar Testing- Where, when and how”.
4. Eat at about the same time every day. Your blood sugar will stay more stable if you eat about the same amount of food with the same balance of nutrients at about the same times each day.
5. Take the medications prescribed by your doctor. It is essential to blood glucose management that your medications are taken daily as instructed by your doctor.
6. Drink plenty of water. Water dilutes the blood and therefore has some degree of influence on lowering your blood sugars.
7. Control Portion Sizes. Most restaurants offer portion sizes which are double or triple the serving size recommended by the USDA and doctors. For instance, one serving of chicken is 3 ounces, or about the size of a deck of cards. Recording your food intake in a diary is a great way of controlling what you eat.
8. Take care of your teeth. Diabetes may leave you prone to gum infections. Follow a routine of dental hygiene that includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing at least once. Keep your regular dental exam appointments.
9. Quit Smoking. This has become easier over the years as medications are available to ease the process. It will not be easy, but will be one of the most important things you’ve ever done for your health.
10. Stay positive. Diabetes is a serious disease, but it can be controlled. If you’re willing to do your part, you can enjoy an active, healthy life with type 2 diabetes. Talk to friends and family and keep a strong support group around you.
