Treatment for diabetes frequently involves taking insulin or another diabetic medication. Medications may help you manage the condition in addition to making appropriate food and drink choices, obtaining physical exercise, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress. There are alternative therapy choices, and we’ll go through them in the article below.
Test your blood sugar level
You should evaluate your level of diabetes management. Keeping track of your blood sugar levels is essential. A blood test is the most accurate technique to determine this. Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend making adjustments to your diet, exercise regimen, or medication dosages.
Some individuals have daily blood tests done. Many people do it many times a day. It’s possible that your doctor may instruct you to take a test before each meal, before bed, or even in the middle of the night. If you need advice on how frequently you should check your blood sugar, consult your doctor.
Try diabetic socks
Diabetic socks are made with unique materials and construction methods to improve circulation, keep feet dry, and reduce the likelihood of foot injuries. Because high blood sugar may cause harm to the neurological and circulatory systems, proper foot care is an essential element of diabetes treatment. Trying out diabetic socks for men and women may lessen the negative effects of high blood sugar levels. People with diabetes need to be more cautious about keeping their feet dry since they are more likely to have foot wound infections.
Wet feet increase the risk of a wound becoming infected due to the proliferation of germs. Socks designed for diabetics are often constructed from moisture-wicking materials, such as wool, cotton, or a synthetic combination, to shield feet from discomfort and cut down on friction.
Insulin
It’s possible for someone with type 2 diabetes to delay starting insulin treatment for a while. However, when first diagnosed, some patients have very high blood sugar levels. In the short term, insulin may be administered to lower blood sugar levels.
There are times when insulin is necessary, such as during pregnancy, serious sickness, or after surgery. If other drugs haven’t helped control your blood sugar levels, or if they aren’t a good fit for you, insulin may be your only option for therapy.
Insulin therapy is necessary for a large percentage of people with type 2 diabetes. You should not feel guilty about needing to begin insulin medication. Keep your follow-up checkups and practice good self-care to keep your condition under control. You may lessen the likelihood of diabetes-related issues by maintaining an active lifestyle and eating a balanced diet. You could gain weight when you first begin taking insulin. Several factors contribute to this, including insulin dosage, nutrition, and insulin brand.
Exercise
Weight loss and maintenance are greatly aided by regular physical activity. It’s also useful for keeping blood sugar levels stable. Make sure your workout routine is safe for you by seeing your doctor before beginning it or making any changes.
Pick an aerobic activity like walking, swimming, bicycling, or running that you can see yourself doing often. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity.
Strength, stability, and ease of movement are all improved through regular resistance training. Examples of resistance training include weightlifting and calisthenics. Two to three times a week of resistance exercise is recommended for those with type 2 diabetes.
Weight loss
Blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, as well as blood pressure, may all be better managed after weight reduction. Even a modest weight loss of only 5 percent of total body mass may help those who are overweight. However, the health benefits accrue according to the amount of weight lost. It may be suggested that you lose as much as 15% of your current body weight.
Setting realistic weight reduction goals and making the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle might be encouraged by your doctor or nutritionist.
When to see a doctor
Blood sugar levels of 300 mg/dL or above are considered extremely dangerous. If you have two readings of 300 or more in a row, you should see a doctor. If you are concerned about signs of high blood sugar, you should contact your doctor. They may provide guidance and comfort.
Signs of high blood sugar include:
- regularly elevated glucose levels
- increased thirst and urination frequency
- high urine sugar levels
Find out from your doctor how frequently you should check your blood sugar and what level is considered normal.
Eat starches
These are examples of carbohydrates, the body’s primary fuel source. Complex carbohydrates, which include starches, are good for you because they include vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Starches may be found in foods including grains, beans, and vegetables.
Examples of good starch sources include brown rice, oats, quinoa, and other whole grains, sugar potato bake, and breads containing seeds, such as those containing chia, pumpkin, sunflower, and whole-wheat pita.
Avoid sweets
High blood sugar levels are a medical emergency, and sugary meals may trigger them. Furthermore, long-term hyperglycemia may have severe consequences for those with diabetes. Vegetable and whole-grain carbohydrates have less of an impact on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are essential for energy, but sugar and other simple carbohydrates aren’t always helpful.
If you’re watching your carb intake, it’s best to go with healthier foods most of the time rather than completely eliminating sugar. Once in a while, you can have a bite or two of candy, cake, or anything sweet. At a social gathering, you may take dried fruit instead of cake and ice cream.
Managing diabetes safely includes adopting a healthy lifestyle and maintaining close control over blood sugar levels. People with diabetes may need to inject themselves with insulin and/or take additional medications to control their condition and increase their bodies’ ability to absorb glucose. If you have prediabetes, you may lower your chance of developing type 2 diabetes by exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. Diabetic testing should be scheduled as soon as possible for anyone who is concerned they may have the disease.