Most people have probably heard something about the diabetes epidemic that is plaguing not only the United States but countries all over the world. In America alone, there are around 29.1 million diabetics and that number is estimated to only rise in the coming years.The sheer numbers make it important for those who are living with diabetes to learn how to manage their condition. This will help them avoid the sometimes serious complications that this disease can cause but also make day to day life easier. Below are tips for four things to do if someone is trying to manage diabetes.
Counseling
Many people do not realize it, but diabetes can frequently come with depression problems, especially for those who are overweight or obese and are struggling to shed excess pounds. Fatigue, lack of motivation and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness are common depression symptoms and can make it harder to manage diabetes. Therefore, getting depression treatment is important.
Diet improvement
Whether or not weight loss is a goal, eating a good diet can help to manage diabetes on a day-to-day basis. Watching carbohydrates and eating good carbs like those found in whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables is a good way to start. Consider also adding eggs and fresh herbs to the diet. Cutting down on high-sodium or highly processed foods can also be very helpful.
Exercise
Exercise can not only help diabetics achieve or maintain a healthy body weight. It can also help the body to reduce insulin levels and to burn up extra sugar in the bloodstream – thus lowering overall blood sugar levels naturally! If stress is a problem, regular exercise can also help with that, since exercise releases endorphins, “feel good” hormones that combat fatigue and stress.
Manage stress
More and more researchers are convinced that there is a definite link between poor diabetes management and high stress levels. Partly this is due to cortisol, a stress hormone which can spike blood sugar and lead to weight gain – especially in the abdominal area. Regular exercises (see above) as well as activities like meditation, yoga, tai chi or prayer can greatly lower stress levels and make diabetes easier to manage.
No one ever said that diabetes management is easy! However, the tips above are relatively simple, with most of it being just sound common sense in regards to a healthy lifestyle that is good for diabetics and non-diabetics alike. But for those who are struggling to manage their Type 2 diabetes, these tips can lead to better long-term success and improved outcomes while avoiding the many serious complications that this disease can bring with it.
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