NOTE: The statistics and data presented here should not be considered medical advice. Ask your doctor for advice and counsel about healthier living through exercise and nutrition.
Being diagnosed with Type II Diabetes can be overwhelming and scary. However, it's vital to remember that proper management can control and even reverse the condition. If you're a newly diagnosed type II diabetic, here are some tips to help you manage your blood sugar levels and live a healthy, fulfilling life.
It can be reversible
An imperative thing to understand as a newly diagnosed type II diabetic is that the condition can be reversible. While it is not possible to completely cure type II diabetes, it is possible to manage it to the point where it no longer negatively affects your life.
Healthy lifestyle changes, like eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, and losing weight, allow many people with type II diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels in check and avoid the need for medication. However, always discuss changes in medication with your doctor.
Try to keep blood sugar levels consistent
One of the key challenges of managing type II diabetes is keeping your blood sugar levels consistent throughout the day. To do this, eating a balanced diet with plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats is essential.
Avoid sugary and processed foods, as these can cause your blood sugar levels to spike. Eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day is vital to stabilizing your blood sugar levels. Managing mealtimes can be crucial. If your blood sugar is low, have a light snack.
No one's perfect
Managing type II diabetes can be challenging, and it's necessary to remember that no one is perfect. You may have days when your blood sugar levels are higher than you'd like, or you may slip up and eat a piece of cake at a party.
It's essential to be kind to yourself and not beat yourself up over these slip-ups. Instead, focus on making healthy choices most of the time, and don't let occasional lapses derail your progress.
Keep some sugar-free ice cream in the freezer for those moments of weakness. Having a teaspoon of peanut butter can calm the craving. We keep a container of washed grapes in the fridge.
Think about losing some weight
If you're overweight or obese, losing weight is one of the effective methods of managing type II diabetes. Losing a small amount of weight can help improve insulin sensitivity, which can help keep blood sugar levels in check.
Focus on healthy lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise rather than following fad diets or quick-fix weight loss programs. We didn’t get obese in a week, so don’t try to lose ten pounds a week, either.
Adopt a dog and walk it twice a day
Regular exercise is crucial for managing type II diabetes. One of the easiest methods to get more exercise is to adopt a dog and walk it twice daily. Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help improve insulin sensitivity and keep blood sugar levels in check. Plus, the companionship of a furry friend can help reduce stress and improve your overall quality of life.
If you don’t want the responsibility of taking care of a dog, volunteer to walk the neighbor’s dog or get a treadmill. Peloton® is popular these days, though expensive. You could start with the app on your phone, with a yoga mat, and slowly get into an exercise program with stretching and light calisthenics.
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About the author
Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.
All these well meaning articles are COMPLETE CRAP!
Demeter
2023-03-23
Adopt a dog? Are you serious? I can't believe advise for diabetics. Stress raises cortisol. Animals are a huge responsibility. I am done raising dogs. I loved the last dog I had, but it's so much work. No more dogs.
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