Tips to Manage Type 2 Diabetes Effectively

Approximately 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and 90 to 95% of these have Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes is not an easy disease to live with, and since there is no cure yet, it can be a daunting revelation to find out you have diabetes. However, diabetes is very manageable, and with a few lifestyle changes and medical intervention you can learn to keep your diabetes in check and avoid further complications. Here are a few things you can do to keep your Type 2 Diabetes in check.

1. Eat Healthy

It is important to figure out what foods you can and cannot safely eat when you have diabetes. It is recommended that you eat healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and foods high in fiber. Also, it is important to avoid calories and eat foods with lower fat content.

2. Stay Active

Exercise is an important part of living with diabetes. It can help keep your blood sugar level in control, and can also help you keep your weight in check. It depends on your lifestyle and health which exercises are the most suitable for you when living with diabetes and the other health conditions that come with it, but some of the most common exercises that are recommended are brisk walking, cycling, and yoga.

3. Manage your Medication

Taking help from a medical professional is of course the most important part of managing any disease. Depending on your condition, the doctor might prescribe medication to keep your blood sugar level in check. It is important that you follow the recommendations of the doctor and keep up with your medication as prescribed.

Being prescribed medication comes with its own problems, highest on the list being affordability. Prescription medicines like Jardiance are expensive and can be stressful to keep up with. It is useful to research the cost of alternate medication if your doctor permits, as well as what the cost of medicine is in other countries. Jardiance cost in Canada is far lower than in the States, and is an option worth exploring.

4. Monitor your Blood Sugar

If you are using medication and or insulin to keep your diabetes in control, it is likely that your doctor has suggested that you test your blood sugar level a few times a day. In addition to checking your levels regularly, you should also observe what are the effects of different medication and food on your blood sugar level, so that you can make healthier decisions for yourself.

Moreover, if you have been recommended to check your levels more than once a day, it might be a good idea for you to invest in a CGM – Continuous Glucose Monitoring – instead of constantly pricking yourself and checking your glucose levels. Moreover, testing your blood sugar by pricking yourself will also not always give you a clear and accurate picture. A CGM is not only easier to use but is also more accurate, and hence helps you manage your diabetes more efficiently.

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