Type 2 diabetes, which is an impairment in the way your body produces or uses insulin, needs self-care under the supervision of a doctor or a medical team to control blood sugar levels as regular treatment. Along with your doctor, you may need a dietitian and a diabetes educator to help you stick to a healthy lifestyle plan. You can keep diabetes under control and avoid more severe health problems when you follow a treatment plan.
Monitoring Blood Sugar
Diabetics need to check their blood sugar levels on a daily basis or several times a week, the Mayo Clinic explains. Your doctor can let you know how often you should monitor levels. The doctor or a diabetes educator can tell you how to use a blood glucose meter to check levels. These levels can change and need to stay in a target range to avoid health complications. Your diet, amount of physical activity and sometimes medication can affect blood sugar levels. Alcohol consumption can raise or lower blood sugar. Diabetics should drink in moderation or avoid alcohol. Hormonal levels for women can also change blood sugar levels.
Diet Plan
People with type 2 diabetes should focus on whole grains, fruits and vegetables for good nutrition that is low in fat and calories. But there are plenty of other healthy foods you can eat. Animal products and sweets should be limited. Along with your doctor, a registered dietitian can help you in developing and keeping a good eating plan. This will help keep your weight under control as well as your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check to avoid such disorders as heart disease.
Exercise
Let your doctor know the activities you choose to enjoy. What's good for most people is also good for diabetics. That includes exercising at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. Or your can break it up and perform physical activity for about 10 minutes three times a day. Exercise can lower blood sugar levels, so it is advised to eat a snack before exercising to prevent levels from dropping too low. Exercise also helps to make the insulin in your body work better to keep blood sugar levels under control. It gives you more energy, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
Medication
Medication may not be needed for some people with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar levels can be kept in good check with diet and exercise. But other diabetics may need medication or insulin therapy. It depends on your blood sugar levels and your overall health. You might have to take pills, insulin or injected medicine. Your doctor will advise you on the best medication to take. If you need medication, you should take it on schedule.
