Many people believe that reducing their intake of sweets can do all the magic and that they can continue to engage in other harmful behaviours that increase their blood sugar levels. Making changes in your lifestyle can have a huge impact on keeping diabetes in check.
What is type 2 diabetes?
There are mainly two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. The most common one is type 2 diabetes. It happens when the body controls and utilizes glucose as a fuel, resulting in an increased amount of sugar in the blood. Type 2 diabetes reduces the pancreas’ ability to produce adequate insulin, eventually leading to disorders related to the circulation, immune system, and nervous system. Fasting sugar tests will reveal that a huge population of India is affected by type 2 diabetes, but only a few know how to manage it properly. Here are five beneficial behaviors for a type 2 diabetic:
- Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Unhealthy eating habits are the primary reason for type 2 diabetes, including a high-sugar, high-carb diet. It is vital to eliminate sweets, fatty foods, unhealthy carbohydrates, and packaged foods. A nutritious plant-based diet that includes Omega-3 fatty acids, fibre fruits, whole grains, and legumes will help you manage your blood sugar levels even better. To plan healthy meals from breakfast to dinner, you can seek the assistance of a reputed dietician.
- Ensure Regular Check-ups
As people with type 2 diabetes have a high risk of developing disorders related to the heart, immune system, and nervous system, they should see a doctor twice a year. To check your blood sugar level, you can undergo a fasting sugar test that accurately measures the sugar level in your blood after an overnight fast.
- Have an Exercise Regime
Keeping your body active is a great aid for diabetes and keeps your heart healthy. A regular 30-minute workout can work wonders for your diabetes and help you maintain a healthy weight. You can reap benefits from working out, such as lowering your blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure and improving your overall strength and quality of sleep.
- Keep Your Mental Health in Check
Good mental health is the foundation of good physical health. Stress is a huge factor affecting the blood sugar level in our bodies. The body is unable to release insulin when you are stressed, resulting in excess sugar and fat being stored in the body. Eventually, this leads to a blood pressure spike and other heart-related problems. To manage stress, you can indulge in calming activities like meditation, reading, journaling, or therapy.
- Cut Down on Alcohol and Smoking
Smoking and alcohol consumption already have very damaging effects on our bodies, but the risk doubles when you have diabetes. Nicotine in cigarettes increases blood sugar levels and makes the body resistant to insulin, while excessive alcohol consumption can hinder the functioning of the liver. The liver focuses on eliminating the alcohol from the body instead of regulating the blood sugar levels.
All these practices might be difficult, but they will help you in the long run. It is important to lead a healthy life to manage your diabetes seamlessly.