Table of Contents
I. Control Blood Sugar Levels with Medication
III. Create a Physical Activity Routine
It can be frustrating to watch others go about their day seemingly unaffected by blood sugar levels. However, for those with type 2 diabetes, ignoring high blood sugar levels isn't an option. Untreated high blood sugar levels can lead to serious type 2 diabetes symptoms affecting the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums, or teeth.
Managing diabetes can be made easier by following the three Cs. Keep reading to learn how to deal with type 2 diabetes.
Control Blood Sugar Levels with Medication
Not everyone with type 2 diabetes needs medication, but drugs like Jardiance and Rybelsus are effective tools for lowering blood sugar levels.
Drugs like Jardiance work by inhibiting the SGLT2 protein, thereby preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose. The excess glucose is then excreted through urine. [1]
On the other hand, Rybelsus helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release. It also slows digestion and curbs your appetite, leading to fewer blood sugar spikes by causing you to eat less. [2]
Prescription medications are an effective tool for controlling blood sugar levels. A tailored diabetes treatment plan will help keep away complications like nerve damage, heart disease, and vision problems. Talk to your doctor about finding the right medication for blood sugar management for a higher quality of life in the long run.
Change Your Diet
To boost the effectiveness of your diabetes medication, your doctor will recommend incorporating a healthy meal plan for maximum blood sugar control. A balanced diet is essential for preventing blood sugar spikes.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet consists of whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. These include:
- Non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and cucumbers
- Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and barley
- Lean proteins like skinless chicken or turkey breast, fish, and legumes
- Healthy fats such as avocado, walnuts, flaxseed
Foods to Avoid
Along with healthy food choices, you will want to avoid fewer calories from refined carbohydrates. Foods to avoid include:
- Processed sweets like cakes, pastries, and cookies
- Fried foods like fries and fried chicken
- Refined grains like white bread and white rice
- Fatty meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs
- Sweetened cereals
- Alcohol, as it can interact with your medication
A registered dietician can help you customize the right portion sizes and eating schedules. When it comes to the right foods, no two diets will be the same. Personalized guidance and support in creating a nutritious and sustainable eating plan will go a long way in helping you achieve optimal blood sugar control.
Create a Physical Activity Routine
A healthier diet can increase the effectiveness of medications like Jardiance and Rybelsus, but incorporating an exercise routine can help improve your condition even more. A good physical activity routine should include three aspects: strength, aerobic, and flexibility exercises.
Strength Exercises
Strength training involves the use of resistance bands, free weights, weight machines, or even just your body weight. By focusing on major muscle groups like the chest, shoulders, back, and legs, strength training will help improve your overall health.
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobic exercises are also essential for improving your overall health to better combat type 2 diabetes symptoms. Start with moderate activities like walking, cycling, or dancing. Finding activities that you enjoy makes it easier to exercise consistently.
Stretching, Flexibility, and Recovery
Hitting the weights and dominating cardio day will do wonders for your health, but stretching and maintaining your flexibility is the only way to sustain the improvement. Stretch your quad muscles, hamstrings, calves, and other major leg muscles after a run to relieve tension in the muscles and joints. Doing yoga twice or three times a week also helps with recovery and injury prevention so you can stay active for longer.
The right amount of exercise can help your cells utilize glucose better, stabilize your blood sugar levels, and reduce your reliance on diabetes medications down the line.
Consistent physical activity is also linked to better heart health, weight management, and mood. [3] You can get started by simply going for a walk or a light jog a few times a week, or you can get in touch with a professional for a custom-fitted training plan.
Putting it Together
Managing type 2 diabetes requires a multifaceted approach, so it is important to incorporate all three Cs into your everyday practice for the best results:
- Control your blood sugar with prescription diabetes medication
- Change your diet to have healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and fewer refined carbohydrates
- Create a physical activity routine that fits your passions and lifestyle
Type 2 diabetes does not have to hold you back from a fulfilling life. Practicing these tips consistently will lead to significant improvements in blood sugar control and your overall well-being.
DISCLAIMER: The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.