Receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you don’t feel sick. It brings about a range of emotions, including fear, sadness, and disbelief. All these are normal and understandable emotions, considering that having type 2 diabetes is a big concern. Fortunately, it is also something that you can manage.
Here is a brief overview of type 2 diabetes and how you can manage it.
Diabetes Type 2: A Brief Overview
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition in which the body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that regulates sugar or glucose levels in our blood. Improper use of insulin causes blood sugar to rise, leading to various health problems in the circulatory, nervous, and immune systems.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when cells in the fat muscles and liver become resistant to insulin and do not take in enough sugar.
Simple Approaches to Manage Type 2 Diabetes
The following are some simple approaches to keep your blood sugar level in the normal range and prevent diabetic complications.
Control Your Weight if You Are Overweight
Many people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight, meaning they weigh more than what is considered healthy for their height. A healthy weight loss is one aspect of the diabetes management plan.
Losing at least 5 to 10% of body weight can go a long way in lowering the blood sugar level and reducing the need for diabetes medications. Losing extra pounds also reduces the risk of heart disease, a common complication associated with type 2 diabetes.
To promote weight loss, cut the calories from your meals and snacks and become physically active.
Make Some Dietary Changes
Healthy dietary changes go a long way in managing blood sugar levels and weight. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healthy eating with type 2 diabetes. Generally, the American Diabetes Association recommends eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods, such as legumes, vegetables, whole grains, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats, evenly spacing your meals throughout the day, and not skippinga meal especially if you are on medications that cause blood sugar to go too low.
It is best to try the ADA-recommended diabetes plate method, according to which your plate should consist of 50% non-starchy vegetables, 25% proteins, and 25% carbohydrates. This means that your plate approximately 75% part of your plate should have low to no carbohydrates.
Get Physically Active
Getting physically active is a good way to manage your blood sugar level and weight and reduce your risk for complications from type 2 diabetes. As per the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association, adults with type 2 diabetes should:
- Incorporate at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise every week.
- Complete at least two to three sessions of strength training or resistance exercise per week.
- Limit the amount of time you spend staying inactive.
- Avoid going more than two days in a row without any physical activity.
If you have some physical limitations, it is best to consult your primary care doctor, who might advise you to avoid certain physical activities.
Take Your Medications Timely
Blood sugar level that can be managed with lifestyle changes alone does not require medications. However, in some cases, medications are needed to manage the condition. Depending on your unique needs and health history, your doctor may prescribe you oral medications, insulin,and/or other injectable drugs such as anamylin analog or GLP 1 receptor agonist.
Always take your medications as recommended to keep your blood sugar level under the normal range.
Regularly Monitor Your Blood Sugar Level
Check your blood sugar level regularly or as recommended by your doctor. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels helps individuals understand how food, exercise, and medications affect their blood sugar levels and what interventions are needed to keep them under the normal range.
Diabetes Type 2 Treatment in DeSoto, Texas
At Pivot Healthcare Company, we are proud to serve people living in and around DeSoto, Texas, and the surrounding area with weight loss services and primary care. Our primary care nurse practitioner, Crystal Capler, is committed to identifying potential health concerns, such as diabetes, before they become more serious issues. In addition to weight management and primary care services, we also offer men’s, women’s,and preventive care services.
If you would like to know more about type 2 diabetes or want to schedule a one-on-one consultation with our primary care nurse practitioner, please contact our staff today at(214) 242-9316 or fill out our online appointment request form.
