After being diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. However, there is good news – with the help of newer medications, insulin, and lifestyle adjustments, you can effectively manage your condition.
If you are not sure where to begin, here are some effective ways to take control of your type-2 diabetes:
- Consume a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is an essential part of effectively managing type-2 diabetes. If you are not eating healthy, a lot of exercise or the best medication may not be able to help you. Here are some of the most important components you must add to your diet.
Vegetables
Every meal you consume must have a dedicated section for non-starchy vegetables. These vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, and cauliflower, are low in calories. Hence, consuming them can make blood sugar management a lot easier.
Whole Grains
If you have been struggling with a rise in blood sugar levels, you must add whole grains to your diet. Foods like oats, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta are not only more nutritious but also have a lower glycemic index. Hence, you will be able to maintain a healthy blood sugar level with ease.
Lean Proteins
The bodies of people with type-2 diabetes do not use protein for energy as easily as compared to carbs and fats. This means that adding more protein to your diet will not raise your blood sugar level significantly. A variety of protein sources includes fish, poultry, and legumes.
- Control Your Portions
If you have been struggling with maintaining a healthy blood sugar level, there may be a problem with your portion control. Understanding portion sizes can significantly impact your blood sugar levels and improve your overall well-being.
Eating more than necessary can be one of the worst things for your health living with type-2 diabetes. If you find it hard to control your food intake, you can always try to eat mindfully. You must always pay attention to hunger and fullness cues.
In addition, you can also try planning your meals beforehand. Pre-planning can help you avoid snacking and impulsive eating. You can also ask a friend or family member to become an accountability partner and help you maintain healthy eating habits every day.
- Stay Active
An active lifestyle and diabetes management are more closely linked than you may have thought. It is an important activity that can help the body use insulin better by increasing insulin sensitivity.
Maintaining an active lifestyle with type-2 diabetes does not necessarily mean that you have to spend hours at the gym every day. You can always start by making a routine of taking a brisk walk in the morning or joining a local aerobic exercise class.
In addition, you can always incorporate activity into your daily life for a change. Small choices such as taking the stairs instead of the life, cycling to work, and taking your dog to walk can make a significant difference in your life.
- Monitor Blood Sugar
Healthy eating habits and your diet can be a great start to improving your life with type-2 diabetes. However, you cannot make informed decisions if you do not know the exact details about your blood sugar levels.
The frequency of checking your blood sugar levels every day can differ for everyone based on your treatment plan. You can ask your healthcare provider about how often you should test your blood sugar levels throughout the day.
You must also ask your healthcare provider about what the different readings mean. You can keep a log to identify how different foods and activities affect your blood sugar. This can help you discuss your problems with your healthcare provider and adjust your diet and exercise accordingly.
- Consider Semaglutide
Belonging to a group of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, Semaglutide is a prescription medication considered for use by people with type-2 diabetes. This medication is used often for better glycemic control.
When using Semaglutide, individuals may notice a decrease in appetite, leading to potential weight loss. This can be very helpful for someone who has been trying to lose weight because of possible complications in addition to type-2 diabetes.
In addition, individuals with type-2 diabetes using Semaglutide may experience enhanced blood sugar regulation and a reduced likelihood of developing health complications such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. If you are seeking the best treatments in New Mexico, you can look for Semaglutide in Albuquerque to discover more.
- Sleep Well
Sleeping well is a part of your overall well-being, especially when you are living with type-2 diabetes. Getting sufficient rest in the form of sleep can help in controlling a number of hormones, including the ones connected to glucose metabolism.
In order to ensure that you sleep well, it is best to reduce caffeine and nicotine intake, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime. Instead, you can have a cup of herbal tea to improve sleep quality and ensure complete rest.
You can also facilitate your sleep by ensuring that your bedroom is comfortable to sleep in. It must be dark and quiet, with a comfortable temperature to ensure that you rest well.
- Ensure Regular Check-ups
Your healthcare provider may not be able to help you ensure your well-being, especially if you are unable to keep up with regular health check-ups. These check-ups are an important part of your overall well-being and can go a long way in managing your type-2 diabetes effectively.
You can stay proactive about your health with regular annual exams. These exams include scheduling regular appointments to monitor your blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure. In addition, different screenings for complications can also help you ensure your well-being.
Regular screenings for eye health, kidney function, and nerve health are essential for early detection of diabetes-related complications. Your healthcare providers can point out and treat any issues before they escalate and compromise your health further.
