health tips- managing diabetes
 

Doing all you can to help manage your diabetes

Regular physical activity can help

Physical activity plays a key role in taking care of type 2 diabetes. Many people with type 2 diabetes manage their disease by eating well and exercising regularly. This may control blood glucose levels and may help to improve the way a person feels, emotionally and physically.

The idea behind exercising isn’t to push yourself too hard, but to get your body moving. Before you start exercising, work with your healthcare team, including your physician, to come up with a plan that works for you. Because everyone is different, what works for one person with diabetes may not work for you. So, know your limits and do whatever exercises you feel comfortable doing. And stick with it!

Tips:

• Talk to your healthcare team, including your physician; together you can choose an exercise plan that's right for you.

• Try exercising 4 to 6 times a week, for at least 20 minutes a day.

-Start slowly. Don't exercise too hard at first

• Drink water before, during, and after exercise

Keep track of how you're doing

Tips:

• Check you blood glucose levels before and after meals

• Do this several times during the day, not only when you exercise

• Write down the test results so that you can discuss them with your healthcare team

Eating well and increasing physical activity may help control type 2 diabetes, but this is an unpredictable disease. Low and high blood glucose levels can happen at any time during the day.That’s why it’s important for you to keep track of how you’re doing by checking your blood glucose levels regularly.

You can check your blood glucose levels with a simple test using a drop of blood from your finger. Although it sounds like it hurts, it's just a pinprick and after doing it a few times, you'll get used to it.

Taking Medication to control blood glucose levels

Sometimes, no matter how well a person with type 2 diabetes eats or exercises, it’s just not enough to control blood glucose levels. If you are one of these people, don’t worry. There are many effective and safe diabetes medications out there that can help. Ask your doctor about them.

And don’t be shy. Developing a strong relationship with your healthcare team is extremely important. An open dialogue will make it easier for you to make these lifestyle changes and help you control your diabetes. Call your team with questions or concerns. And remember, if you do need to start taking medication, continue to eat well and exercise regularly for an overall healthy lifestyle.

Tips:

• If meal planning and exercise are not enough to control your diabetes, talk to your doctor about medication

• Develop a strong relationship with your healthcare team

• Even if you need medication, continue to eat well and exercise