Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can lead to amputations, heart disease, blindness and other complications if not treated properly. The good news is that there are lifestyle changes and medications that can help to control blood sugar levels, although they will not cure either condition. Diet and exercise play a large role in keeping blood sugar levels in check and may even help them return to a normal level. Before starting any new program, always talk with a physician or registered dietitian to ensure its safety.
Identification
There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1, which is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood, occurs because the body does not produce insulin. Type 2 which is often diagnosed in adults, occurs because the body cannot use the available insulin or does not produce enough. Type 1 diabetics require insulin to survive and there is no cure for this condition. Type 2 diabetics may or may not need to take insulin based on the severity of the disease. However, both types can benefit from a well-planed diet and exercise program.
Considerations
Neither Type 1 or type 2 diabetes ever truly goes away, warns the Joslin Diabetes Center. However, this does not mean that diet and exercise is not important. Both can help to control blood sugar levels and in some cases return blood glucose to normal or non diabetic levels. In contrast, a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet can make blood sugar levels climb to dangerous levels. Diet and exercise can keep diabetes well controlled and may reverse blood glucose numbers, however this condition will need to be controlled throughout life.
Features
A doctor or registered dietitian will help to set a blood glucose level range that is considered low enough to avoid complications. Since each case is different, constant testing is required to see how the body responds to the foods that are consumed.
Carbohydrates are the food group that raises blood sugar levels the most, notes the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. The amount of carbohydrates that are safe to eat each day, depends on what the daily caloric needs are and overall health.
The best way to control blood sugar levels are to eat foods listed as having a low glycemic index, which includes whole grains and most vegetables. These foods take a longer time to digest and do not cause spikes and drops in blood glucose levels. For Type 2 diabetics, a carefully planned diet may help to lower blood sugar levels back to the normal range and reduce the need for medication or insulin.
Types
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, exercise can help to improve overall health and lower blood sugar levels. The best type of exercise is aerobic or cardiovascular exercise, which includes activities such as walking, dancing, swimming and biking. These types of exercise can make the body more sensitive to insulin which means it is better able to use insulin to lower blood sugar levels.
However, exercise can also make blood sugar levels go too high or too low so it is important to test before, during and after exercise to see how the body is responding. As with diet, Type 2 diabetics may be able to avoid medication or insulin injections if exercise restores levels back to normal.
Benefit
Another benefit is that diet and exercise can help to shed unwanted pounds. The American Diabetes Association suggests setting realistic goals and aim for gradual weight loss, because losing just 10 to 15 lbs. can lower blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetics. The goal is to aim for a body mass index of between 18.5 to 24.9 and to keep waist measurement to under 40 inches if you're a man and under 35 inches if you're a woman. Weight management needs to be a lifelong goal and putting the weight back on can lead to blood sugar levels rising again.
