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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.
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