Type II Diabetes is a condition in which your body cannot manage glucose, or blood sugar levels, in your body. Over time, this leads to a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream, and this can affect many systems in your body. While there is no cure for diabetes, there are steps you can take to help you manage your condition.
Lose Weight
The first thing most type II diabetes patients are instructed to do is lose weight. Excess body weight is often a risk factor for type II diabetes and it can complicate the condition. Increased weight causes more inflammation which then leads to insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone your body naturally produces in order to control glucose levels. When your body becomes insulin resistant, then your body will not naturally control glucose which leads to higher blood sugar levels. When you lose weight, there is less strain on your body, and it can reduce the effects of insulin resistance. Weight loss can allow your body to achieve normal blood sugar levels. On average, losing 5-7% of your body weight can help reduce type II diabetes symptoms. For example, if you weigh 200 lbs. then losing about 10 lbs. can benefit you.
Change Your Diet
Because type II diabetes is primarily impacted by blood sugar levels, you need to be conscious of the foods you eat. Certain foods can lead to higher blood sugar levels, so you should limit these foods and prioritize a more balanced diet. You need to make sure you are eating nutrient dense foods that will give your body what it needs to function well. These foods include all fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains and lean proteins. It is in your best interest to limit your intake of refined carbs. These include candies, treats, white bread, white pasta, fruit juice, and more. These foods will raise blood sugar levels and can also lead to more weight gain. Now, you don’t need to completely cut these foods out of your diet, but you should drastically reduce how much you eat.
Increase Your Exercise
Exercise is beneficial to anyone with type II diabetes for several reasons. First of all, increased exercise can help you to achieve your weight loss goal. Losing weight will help you decrease your symptoms. However, exercise can also directly impact your type II diabetes. Exercise leads to an uptake of glucose in the body. This means that the glucose levels in your blood will be reduced. Additionally, type II diabetes is often exacerbated by higher amounts of visceral fat, which is the fat located around the abdomen. Visceral fat usually produces more hormones and chemicals that increase insulin resistance. Increased exercise can reduce visceral fat and improve your body’s functioning.
Medication and Treatment
While many solutions for type II diabetes management include lifestyle changes, there are treatments and medications available as well. There are many medications available that can help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Metformin is a common medication and is often the first prescribed. This medication will lower glucose levels and it reduces your body’s sensitivity to insulin. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe insulin therapy. This therapy will provide your body with different types of insulin in order to address the glucose levels in your body. After you are diagnosed, it’s helpful to talk with your doctor about possible treatments to see which would be effective for you.
Individuals with type II diabetes may feel discouraged after a diagnosis. Since there is no cure, they have to come to terms with the fact that it is a lifelong condition. However, it doesn’t need to be a burden. If you find ways to properly manage your type II diabetes, you can improve your health and live a more fulfilling life.
Learning more about type II diabetes is helpful for both patients and family members. Click here to learn more and get in contact with a doctor.