When it comes to managing blood sugar with type 2 diabetes, for me, there is a straightforward rule. “KISS.”
Introduction
Living with type 2 diabetes requires careful attention to managing blood sugar levels. My advice is, “Keep It Simple.” There are so many diets, pills, and gadgets on the market, all purporting to help us. They may help, but they can be expensive, confusing, and, in some cases, may not work. By Keeping it Simple, you can manage your type 2 diabetes, and at Damndiabetes.ca, we are here to help.
Where to Start?
While it may seem daunting, there are practical steps you can take to keep your sugar levels stable, possibly reduce them, and lead a better quality of life living with diabetes. In this blog post, we will explore some practical tips for managing blood sugar levels with type 2 diabetes.
Follow a Low-Carb Diet: Diet is possibly the most crucial aspect of managing type 2 diabetes. My diet includes healthy meats, which means avoiding processed foods and eating lots of salads and vegetables. I also make my bread—no flour, using sunflower flour—that is inexpensive and easy to make. To get our recipe for sunflower seed bread, click here.
When I began exploring the best diet to control my blood sugar levels, I tried to eliminate all carbohydrates. At first, I was frustrated as I searched for meal alternatives. Dutifully taking my before-meal pill, I gradually had my blood sugar stabilize at a lower level. Large spikes were out the window, and I became more comfortable that I could do it.
I have added some carbs to my diet, but only a few. My goal is to have a varied diet, enjoy some of the “forbidden fruit,” and keep my blood sugar level stable without medication. If I decide to eat a few potatoes, there will be no dessert. And vice versa. I will eat a cookie or two, a couple of pieces of “regular bread,” and even a couple of scoops of ice cream.
It is about choices. First, decide if you want to lead a better quality of life with diabetes. If your response is “yes,” then experiment with what you eat to see the impact different foods have on your blood sugar levels. It takes time, consistent measuring before and after eating, and close advice from your healthcare professional. Please do not try this independently without your healthcare professional's advice.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels: If you do not measure, you cannot manage—test before your meal and, at minimum, two hours after eating. I always add a second reading between those two, testing 30 minutes after eating to see if there is any spike in my blood sugar.
The two-hour after-test is very important as it shows how resilient your body is in managing blood sugar. My diabetes doctor set my targets, and I am now well within those. Please discuss your targets with your healthcare professional, and don’t forget to add the need for additional testing throughout the day.
Stay Active: That means some form of regular physical activity. It does not mean you have to go out and press weights, get all sweaty, or exhaust yourself. To get some ideas on simple steps, look at our exercise blog by clicking here.
Take Your Medications as Prescribed: My goal was to eliminate medications. With close monitoring with my diabetes doctor, I have reached my goal of not needing medications and having my blood sugar levels stable at 6.2 (112). What could be better than that?
Manage Stress: Stress can affect blood sugar levels, and being stressed is a choice. I have learned how to manage my so I do not get stressed. I do not practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. I decided to live a better quality of life living with diabetes and decided not to let stress control my life. You can do this too.
Get Plenty of Sleep: We all need 7 – 9 hours of quality sleep. I have my routine, and you have yours. Set the goal to get 7 – 9 hours of quality sleep and do what you must to accomplish that.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for people with type 2 diabetes. To add variety, I will mix 1/3rd of sugar-free beverage or lemon juice with my water, which always helps.
The End
Getting to a better quality of life while living with diabetes can be a rocky road. However, it is not impassable, and by taking small steps, you can make it. The first step is deciding what you want to do with your life and then setting a plan with your healthcare provider to get there.
Please remember that your healthcare professional must be integral to setting your plan. As always, we at Damndiabetes are here to help. Just contact us through the contact section on our website.
Best wishes from all of us ....
Vancouver, Canada
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