Is type 2 diabetes serious? And How Can You Live With It

 

Being told you have type 2 diabetes, can be very scary.

When your blood sugar remains high, it’s a sign that you may have diabetes, a chronic condition that millions of adults have.

Diabetes requires constant monitoring and, for many, lifelong medication.

It affects the whole body and can lead to serious complications.

Much as fuel powers a car, glucose gives your body the energy it needs.

Your pancreas produces insulin, the hormone that helps move glucose out of your blood and into your cells.

In people with type 2 diabetes, cells become unresponsive to insulin, a problem known as insulin resistance.

Left unchecked, type 2 diabetes can cause long-term damage to small blood vessels and nerves and lead to problems with the eyes, skin, limbs, heart, kidneys, brain, and more.

Fortunately, you can take steps to control the condition—and prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Lifestyle changes like these can have a big impact on blood sugar, even if you also take diabetes drugs:

What carbs should I eat?

Eating certain foods like white bread, potatoes, and rice—or too much of them—can make your blood sugar surge temporarily whether or not you have diabetes.

Choose foods that rank low on the glycemic index, an indicator of how quickly they lead to an increase in blood sugar.

Low-ranking carbohydrates include sweet potatoes, winter squash, and beans.

You should also be aware of a meal’s glycemic load, which takes into account the total grams of carbohydrate in a serving.

Exercise more

Numerous studies show a link between physical activity and blood sugar control.

I advise at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week.

If you have diabetes, test your blood sugar before and after, as well as during activity when you work out for more than an hour.

Take stress under control

Research suggests that people with diabetes who make relaxation techniques part of their usual routine experience significant improvements in their blood sugar levels.

I’m a proponent of practicing deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help calm the nervous system.

Ask your doctor about supplements

Your body depends on a range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to regulate blood sugar.

Some herbs and other natural products have also been found to help improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.

These include chromium (1,000 mcg daily), alpha-lipoic acid (200 mg a day), and bitter melon (follow package directions).

Let your physician know before you try these remedies, as your medication dosage may need to be adjusted.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. Healthy Supplies Shop is  not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of healthy supplies shop  and we do not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.