11.3% of Americans have diabetes. 28.7 million are diagnosed, and 8.5 are undiagnosed.
Two types of diabetes affect blood sugar levels. Type 1 occurs when the pancreas can’t make any insulin. Type 2 occurs when it doesn’t make enough insulin and the body doesn’t use it properly.
Over 95% of patients with diabetes have type 2. It’s a complex condition that can only be managed by following a daily routine.
Read on for 4 tips to make living with type 2 diabetes easier.
1. Carry a Meter and Check Your Levels
Checking your glucose levels regularly is the basis of diabetes care. Do it before meals or whenever you begin to feel nauseated, tired, or as if you’re about to pass out. Carry your meter with you so that it’s easy to access when you need it.
Find a pharmacy you trust to make sure you can get a refill as soon as you run out of anything. Visit kiwidrug.com to get all of the diabetes medication you need.
2. Exercise
Obesity is a common cause of Type 2, and staying active is an essential part of the diabetes lifestyle. It helps you lose weight to fight and has other benefits such as:
- Lowering HbA1C values
- Lowering insulin resistance
- Reducing the risk of dying from heart disease
- Moving more oxygen to the brain
Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise such as walking for 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Work it into your routine wherever you are.
Adding strength training such as lifting weights to your routine is even better. Doing both forms of exercise is proven to be more beneficial than focusing on only one of them.
3. Develop a Proper Diet and Read Food Labels
Living with type 2 diabetes means reading the labels on all the food and drinks you buy. Avoid anything with high levels of complex carbs, sugar, and reduce alcohol, and look for hidden sugars. Replace foods that can raise your blood sugar with healthier options.
Only your doctor can recommend the best diet to manage your diabetes, but make sure to follow their directions.
4. Manage Your Stress
Coping with diabetes can be stressful, and that’s part of what makes the disease a silent killer. It causes your body to release a stress hormone called cortisol. Over time, it increases your glucose levels, raises your blood sugar, and increases your risk for heart disease.
Exercise is a natural stress reliever, but you can also try other methods to keep yourself calm. Consider meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or medication.
More Tips on Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Living with type 2 diabetes is a full-time job that requires changes to your normal routine. Following a few basic tips can help you get started.
Keep your stress levels low. Exercise is one of the best methods and has other benefits as well. Check the labels on all your food and drinks to maintain a healthy diet. Keep your meter with you and remember to check your blood sugar levels often.
Read the rest of our content for more tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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