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I live with Type 2 diabetes every day, which requires proactive management and consistent effort to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. For all of us with Type 2 diabetes, this is so important and something I work at each day at Damndiabetes. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for a while, staying on track with your goals is crucial for long-term health and well-being.
Here are five practical strategies that may help you stay focused and motivated on your journey to a better quality of life living with Type 2 diabetes.
Establish a Routine
Creating a daily routine can significantly impact your diabetes management. Schedule regular times for meals, snacks, medication, and physical activity and testing your blood sugar. Consistency in your routine will help regulate blood sugar levels and make it easier to track any changes that may occur. What I do is set alarms on my phone to prompt me when it's time to eat or take medication.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
Frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels provides valuable insights into how your body responds to food, physical activity, medication, and stress. Use a reliable blood glucose monitor recommended by your healthcare provider and keep a record of your readings. I have a great app on my phone, Sugar, which automatically records my blood sugar readings. With this history, I can identify patterns, make necessary adjustments, and prevent potential complications all with the help with my healthcare provider.
Follow a Balanced Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet plays a pivotal role in managing Type 2 diabetes. Focus on incorporating various nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. Limit your intake of refined sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. Consider meeting with a registered dietitian to develop a personalized meal plan that aligns with your dietary preferences, cultural background, and diabetes management goals and test, test, test. The most important is to know what foods impact on your blood sugar levels, which is a lot of the work we do at Damndiabetes.
Stay Active
Regular physical activity helps control blood sugar levels and improves overall health. We all know this – but how many of us stay active? We all hear we need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, but many of us just do not do it. Please do not be in the “do not do it” crowd. Consult your healthcare provider about getting active to a better quality of life living with type 2 diabetes.
Prioritize Stress Management and Sleep
Stress and inadequate sleep can adversely affect blood sugar levels and quality of life. Many suggest practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi to reduce stress levels. I spend about one-hour daily reading a magazine—it's my quiet time and is so satisfying. Give it a try.
You should also ensure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support optimal physical and mental well-being. It makes for such a better “next day.”
The End
Living with type 2 diabetes is not an easy task if you want a better quality of life. I personally do not want to face all the serious health conditions type 2 diabetes can bring, and I want to have a great life for as long as I can with my wife and family. That is my goal, and everything I do is geared to accomplishing that.
Make having a better quality of life living with diabetes your goal, set your reasons and the rest comes easy.
If you want help, contact us through our website.
Remember, managing diabetes requires a comprehensive approach integrating medical guidance, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing monitoring. While this website may offer valuable insights and tips, it is not intended for professional medical care. Always prioritize your health and safety by consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized diabetes management strategies.
Best wishes from all of us at Damndiabetes.
Vancouver, Canada
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