Manage diabetes in 5 simple steps

Diabetes is a condition that needs to be managed every day. The central theme to live a healthy lifestyle for all diabetes patients is to control blood sugar levels. To control blood sugar levels and live a long and healthy life, Ms. Sunita Pathania – Sr. Registered Dietician and Diabetes Educator, Healthy Living Diet Clinic, Mumbai, shares some simple steps to manage diabetes.

The best way to control blood sugar level is by changing your diet. Besides, it also helps in cutting the risk of various diabetes related complications. People with type 2 diabetes should carefully monitor carbohydrate consumption, total fat and protein intake, and reduce calories. Having a good diet, certified by your dietician will help you control weight, control blood glucose levels, control blood lipid levels and reduce chances for additional medications.

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A diabetic person should aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. A person with diabetes should try moderate exercises like strength training or walking. Exercise improves the body’s use of insulin, lowers blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and also helps reduce body fat.

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Stress is very bad for everyone, especially a diabetic person as it causes blood sugar to rise. Hence, keep away from stress by taking in relaxation techniques like exercise, yoga, meditation and visualization.

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When diabetes is unmanageable with diet and exercise, a person can add some oral medication in his list after a doctor’s approval. Some pills can help to stimulate the pancreas to make more insulin or improve the effectiveness of insulin. However, these medicines do have side effects associated with weight gain. As a result, pop a pill only after a doctor’s recommendation.

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Many doctors prescribe insulin in combination with pills. Insulin is also used in people with type 2 diabetes, because the cells in the pancreas no longer produce insulin in response to high blood pressure. Hence, insulin injection or insulin pump becomes a part of the daily routine to manage diabetes.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Doctors are their independent professional judgment and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered as a substitute for Physician's advice. Please consult your treating Physician for more details.