According to The World Health Organization (WHO), 422 million people have diabetes globally. Sadly, it can be fatal if not managed effectively.
Diabetes (full name, diabetes mellitus) is a metabolic disease that is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. The most common type of diabetes is type 2, which results from the body’s inability to respond to insulin (known as insulin resistance).
Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition, and it impacts every sufferer differently. However, with positive lifestyle changes, the potential negative consequences of type 2 diabetes can be minimized.
This article will provide you with some top tips to effectively manage your type 2 diabetes. However, it’s important to note that you should always speak to your doctor or a dietitian before making any drastic changes to your lifestyle or diet if you have diabetes.
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Carrying extra fat on your body can further enhance your insulin resistance, potentially exacerbating your symptoms. Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most effective methods for fighting diabetes. It can naturally lower your blood sugar levels and minimize the risk of complications associated with type 2 diabetes.
Weight management can be simple. Often, regular exercise and a well-balanced diet are enough to help you shift excess body fat and stay as healthy as possible.
Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Consuming high-sugar foods can make it harder for your body to regulate your blood glucose levels. Although it’s okay to consume sugar in your diet, you should do so in low to moderate amounts to manage your type 2 diabetes better.
Avoid highly processed snacks and packaged foods, like cookies, cakes, and pastries, as these foods are high in simple sugars. Swap sodas and fruit juices for still or sparkling water and unsweetened tea or coffee. These small changes will make a huge difference!
Stay On Top of Your Medications
If your doctor has prescribed medications to help you manage your diabetes and its associated symptoms more effectively, it’s important to take them as per their recommendations.
The most common medication given to those with type 2 diabetes is metformin. This medication helps to increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin and regulate your blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of glucose that your liver produces.
If you’re unsure when or how often you’re supposed to take your medications, contact your doctor and ask them to confirm this information.
Consume Healthy Carbohydrates
Having a type 2 diabetes diagnosis doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy carbohydrates. However, it does mean that you’ll need to carefully choose which carbohydrates you consume.
Carbohydrates with a low glycemic index will have less of an impact on your blood glucose, making it easier for your body to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Generally, complex carbohydrates have a low glycaemic index, such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta, oats, and sweet potatoes.
