Type 2 Diabetes Guide

Type 2 Diabetes
What Causes Diabetes?
Insulin Resistance
Signs of Diabetes
Hypoglycemia
Hyperglycemia
Diabetes Treatment
Glycemic Index
Diabetic Recipes
Canine Diabetes
Feline Diabetes
Articles Library

 

Bookmark and Share

Diabetes Treatment: Lifestyle Changes and Other Treatment


Type 2 diabetes is a medical condition in a human body that is caused when the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient amounts of insulin or becomes resistant to the insulin generated in the body. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps the body tissues to use glucose (sugar) for energy. This particular hormone also helps in storing additional glucose in your fat, muscle, and liver cells. Diabetes treatment can take the form of both lifestyle changes and medications.

  • Follow a proper diet plan: diabetes is primarily related to glucose and the main source of sugar for your body is the carbohydrates in foods. Portion control / calorie intake is important, as is achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. A dietician can help you work out an individualized diet plan. He or she can also explain how carbohydrates affect your blood sugar and how to balance your meals. Following a healthy diet plan will help you to manage your blood glucose levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure. A medical center can help connect you with a dietician who works with diabetics.

  • Regular exercise: a proper workout plan is something you need to follow religiously. Exercising helps your body to use the sugar stored in the cells for energy. Following a proper workout program has several health benefits like, reducing your blood sugar and blood pressure levels, helps you lower and maintain your cholesterol level, and you may even find it a little easier to lose weight.

  • Medication: sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough, or the person is having difficulty making the changes and sticking to them. In this case medication may be appropriate. Your doctor will assess your situation and decide whether diabetes pills or insulin are required.

  • Monitor your blood sugar levels: low or high blood sugar levels should be dealt with immediately to avoid complications. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Many types of machines are available for checking blood sugar.

An individualized plan for diabetes treatment is necessary to help you avoid further complications as a result of the disease, and to help you feel your best (for more suggestions see the book, How To Play The Diabetes Game To Win!).

Additional Reading:

 

The information on this website is based on our own research and personal experience, and is not a substitute for medical advice. Questions about your health and individual situation should be directed to your doctor.