Controlling Type II Diabetes - Diabetes Treatment Plan

Type 2 diabetes can lead to many serious complications if left untreated or if poorly managed. Controlling type II diabetes is critical to lead as healthy a life as possible, free from as many additional health complications as possible.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will discuss a diabetes treatment plan with you. The goal is to keep your blood sugar levels within a target range. Many people are able to manage the disease through lifestyle changes that primarily revolve around dietary changes, exercise, and weight loss. Medication or insulin may also be prescribed, although not everyone with type 2 diabetes will need them.

The Role of Diet

Dietary changes revolve around what you eat, when you eat it, how much you eat, and how you balance the carbohydrates in each meal.

• The focus is on wholesome, nutritious foods that tend to raise blood sugar at a steadier, slower pace (rather than result in a blood sugar "spike"). Many people find the glycemic index a useful tool. The diabetes food pyramid is also helpful.

• Smaller, more frequent meals is recommended to help keep blood sugar more stable throughout the day.

• Portion control remains important. Eating too many calories will result in weight gain, and being overweight causes our bodies to become more resistant to the effects of insulin. Smaller portions can aid in weight loss.

• Carbohydrates are a part of a healthy diet. Strive to eat the same amount of carbohydrates in every meal or snack. Carbs break down into glucose which is absorbed by our bloodstream. Consuming a steady amount of carbohydrates in each meal will help to keep blood sugar levels steadier over the course of the day.

• Don't skip meals, eat too much in one meal, or eat too little in one meal. This is especially important if you are taking medication or insulin. Any changes to your eating habits can result in low or high blood sugar, both of which can be serious.

• Consult a dietitian. It is time and money well spent. Ask your insurance provider to see if they will cover at least part of the cost.

The Importance of Exercise

Exercise is also an important part of controlling type 2 diabetes. Exercise lowers blood sugar, improves cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, and even acts as a mood enhancer.

• Check with your doctor prior to exercising. Diabetics can do most exercises unless you have other health conditions or complications.

• Exercise regularly, preferably every day. You'll gain the most health benefits by exercising most or all days of the week rather than trying to cram it all into the weekends (regular exercise also helps to keep you strong and limber, so that you'll be less likely to injure yourself).

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  If you find it hard to make yourself exercise, try: joining a gym; exercising with a friend; signing up with a personal trainer; or simply trying new activities. You don't have to labour on a treadmill if that's not your thing. You can also roller-blade, swim, hike, cross-country ski, take an aerobics class, go ice skating, and many other activities.

  Some people prefer to exercise in the privacy of their homes. There is a huge variety of exercise videos. These range from the traditional aerobics-type of videos, but also stuff like yoga, tai chi, various types of dance, zumba, and more.

• Check your blood glucose before and after you exercise. Know the signs of hypoglycemia as well as what to do if you're showing symptoms.

• Don't skip an exercise session or overwork yourself.

Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight

Weight loss is helped along with eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. When our bodies carry too much weight, they also become resistant to insulin. Losing even 5-10% of body weight can make you feel better and have a positive effect on your health.

• Aim for a slow, steady, and sustainable weight loss. 3500 calories is equal to 1 pound. So, if you eat 500 calories less per day, you would lose 1 pound in a week.

• Don't take diet pills or go on fad diets.

• Discuss any changes you want to make to your diet or eating plan with a dietitian first.

Medications

Medication and insulin should always be taken as prescribed. If you're noticing side effects, or have been showing regular symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, tell your doctor. Your dosages may need adjustment.

Checking Blood Glucose Levels

Finally, be sure to monitor your blood glucose level. Doing so will let you know if you're on the right track to keeping it under control. Controlling type II diabetes requires a combination of diet, exercise, weight loss, medication, regular visits to your doctor, and home monitoring.