Type 2 Diabetes: How to Take Back Control of Your Health

Type 2 Diabetes: How to Take Back Control of Your Health. If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you know the feeling of helplessness and confusion about how to take back control of your health. You’ve probably read all the research, heard from your doctor and other medical professionals, and looked into treatments.

But you are in charge of your health at the end of the day. You know what your body needs better than anyone else, and it’s up to you to ensure it gets what it needs. That’s why it’s essential to understand what type 2 diabetes is and how you can manage it better.

In this article, we’ll help you better understand type 2 diabetes and equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to take back control of your health. Because, after all, knowledge is power!

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes and Your Body

If diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, it can be intimidating, but don’t be discouraged. With the right lifestyle choices and medical care, you can take control of your health and live a long and healthy life.

Regarding Type 2 Diabetes, the key is understanding how your body works. It’s all about insulin – the hormone that helps carry glucose out of your bloodstream and into your cells to be used as energy with Type 2 Diabetes. Unfortunately, your body doesn’t make sufficient insulin or uses it inefficiently, leaving excess glucose in the bloodstream.

It is why keeping an eye on what you eat and getting regular exercise is essential for people with Type 2 Diabetes. Eating smart means fewer carbohydrates and more fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, beans, nuts & whole grains that our bodies can break down slowly. Exercise also helps release glucose from muscle cells so that it can be used for energy instead of being stored in fat cells or floating around in your bloodstream. Doing both will help stabilize your blood sugar and build strength and stamina.

Making Lifestyle Changes: Diet and Exercise

 

Making lifestyle changes is necessary if you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, that doesn’t just mean you need to make dietary adjustments; it’s a two-pronged approach to diet and exercise.

Firstly, incorporate more nutrient-rich, high-fiber whole foods such as fruits, veggies, legumes, and whole grains into your meals. It means eliminating processed foods and sugary drinks from your diet and limiting your intake of saturated fats in red meats, fried foods, and dairy products.

On the physical activity front, strive for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise on most days of the week. It can include light jogging or walking at a faster pace; swimming; cycling; or playing sports. In addition, try to fit in 10 minutes here and there. Even three 10-minute bursts throughout the day can help you meet your daily target.

Just remember: every step you take towards making lifestyle changes is an investment in healthier habits for life. Which rewards you with better blood sugar control and improved health.

Medications for Type 2 Diabetes Management

 

If diet and exercise don’t help you manage type 2 diabetes, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to help you control your blood glucose levels.

There are many kinds of medications available that work in different ways to improve your health:

Metformin

Metformin is the most common type of diabetes medication. It helps regulate the sugar in your blood, reduces glucose production in the liver, and improves insulin sensitivity.

Sulfonylureas

These medicines lower blood glucose levels by increasing insulin production from the pancreas. These work best when taken with meals.

Thiazolidinediones

This medication improves cells’ sensitivity to insulin and helps them absorb more glucose from the bloodstream than they usually would.

DPP4 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists

Inhibitors block an enzyme that breaks down GLP-1 (a hormone responsible for removing sugar from the bloodstream). As a result, these medications slow digestion, help you feel full faster, and reduce your appetite. They can also minimize the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol.

No matter what kind of medication (or combination) your doctor prescribes you for type 2 diabetes management. You now have powerful tools at your disposal to take back control of your health!

Insulin Therapy Options for Type 2 Diabetes

When it comes to managing type 2 diabetes and controlling your blood glucose levels, a few insulin therapy options are available. While not everyone with type 2 diabetes needs to take insulin, it’s essential to learn about the different types so you can make an informed decision should you ever need to.

Short-acting insulins

Short-acting insulins, also known as rapid-acting or regular insulin, are design to work quickly and last for a short period. This type of insulin is usually taken before meals to keep your blood glucose levels from rising too high after eating.

Long-acting insulins

Long-acting insulins, such as Lantus, allow you to inject one dose per day and have a much longer duration of action than short-acting insulin. It means your blood glucose levels will be regulated throughout the day and help keep them within the proper range for 24 hours after injection.

Intermediate-acting insulins

Finally, intermediate-acting insulin provides twice daily coverage that falls between the rapid action of the short-acting insulin and the slow growth of the long-acting insulin. NPH is an example of this type of intermediate insulin and works for 10–16 hours after injection.

So there you have it—three different forms of insulin that can help regulate your blood glucose levels when diet and exercise aren’t enough. In addition, you now know which type might work best for you should you ever need additional help managing your diabetes.

Monitoring Your Blood Glucose Levels

When you have type 2 diabetes, it’s essential to monitor your blood glucose levels to ensure you’re in the safe zone. That means testing your glucose level regularly and carefully tracking the numbers.

Testing and tracking your blood glucose levels can help you:

• Notice patterns in your glucose levels over time
• Identify what boosts and lowers your glucose levels
• Notice when your levels are too high or too low
• Recognize how different medications, meals, activities, and stress affects your readings
• Adjust insulin doses (if necessary) with your doctor’s approval

You can monitor your blood glucose easily with a blood sugar meter or continuous monitoring device. And once you understand how different things affect you, take the steps necessary to make lifestyle changes accordingly. Whether cutting down on carbs, exercising more, or beginning an exchange diet. It’s all about taking control of the disease and improving the quality of life.

Complications to Watch Out For

 

Living with Type 2 diabetes can put you at risk for certain medical complications. Therefore, it’s essential to be extra mindful and watch for these so that you can take the necessary measures to protect your health.

Heart and blood vessels

High blood glucose can damage your blood vessels over time, making it harder for your heart to pump blood around your body. Which is why having Type 2 Diabetes puts you at a higher risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.

Nerves Type 2 Diabetes

High glucose levels in the blood can also damage nerves. Leaving you more susceptible to conditions like nerve pain, tingling, numbness, and skin infections.

Kidneys Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes affects how your kidneys work—they’ll become less efficient in filtering out waste products from the blood. Over time, this could lead to kidney failure.

Eyes Type 2 Diabetes

Your vision could become blurry, or you might even experience complete vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy. It is caused by changes in the small blood vessels in your eyes. Making it hard for them to bring essential nourishment to the retina.

Conclusion

No matter how you live with type 2 diabetes, a few things are certain. It’s manageable, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Educating yourself on the condition is critical to taking back control. However, it’s all about understanding the disease, watching your diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and taking medications or supplements as prescribed. With these steps, you can take your health back into your own hands and live confidently.

HELPFULL RESOURCES : Pre diabetes: A Guide to Risks, Tests, and Management