7 Simple Steps to Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Living with type 2 diabetes may feel overwhelming, but with proper management, you can lead a happy and healthy life. While it may seem daunting, taking control of your diabetes is not as tricky as you may imagine. Whether you’re just starting on the journey or have been managing your diabetes for years, here are seven simple yet effective steps to manage type 2 diabetes:

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

One of the best things you can do to manage type 2 diabetes is to eat healthily. Eating whole, nutrient-dense food like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Reducing your intake of processed foods and carbohydrates can also help control your blood sugar levels over time.

2. Get Regular Exercise

Exercise can help to lower blood sugar levels and is essential in managing type 2 diabetes. Any activity that raises your heartbeat for at least 30 minutes at a time, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming or strength training, counts. Physical activity not only helps control blood sugar but also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces stress, and boosts your mood.

3. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Regularly

Routine monitoring of blood sugar levels can help you keep track of any fluctuations and make necessary adjustments to medication, diet, and exercise routines. Talk to your doctor about how often you should be monitoring your blood sugar and what your target measures should be. Modern glucose meters make self-monitoring convenient and easy to do at home.

4. Stay Up to Date with Medication

Place a priority on keeping current with taking prescribed medication, including injections or pills, insulin, and other critical therapies. Your medication routine may need adjustments as appropriate if blood sugar levels fluctuate. Inform your doctor if any unexpected side effects or problems take place, and follow up immediately, as untreated high blood sugar can be life-threatening.

5. Reduce Your Stress and Anxiety Levels

While stress does not cause type 2 diabetes, it can affect your blood sugar levels. Living with a chronic disease can cause stress and negatively affect one’s mental health, so managing stress is critical. You can incorporate relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your routine.

6. Get Enough Sleep Each Night

Getting enough sleep is crucial when managing type 2 diabetes. This is because lack of sleep makes it challenging to manage blood sugar levels, leads to over-indulging in unhealthy foods and disrupts insulin metabolism. Ensure that you stick to a routine, aim for at least 7 – 8 hours each night, and avoid caffeine before bedtime.

7. Work Closely With Your Healthcare Team

Last but not least, you should try work closely with the healthcare team to help manage Type 2 Diabetes. Work with endocrinologists or diabetes educators so they can work with you to help set goals and identify opportunities to optimize efficiency.

Taking these seven simple steps for managing type 2 diabetes will improve your quality of life as it reduces your risk of long-term diabetic complications. Don’t be afraid of diabetes; instead, embrace these steps and appreciate the opportunity to improve your health with simple everyday behaviors.