Managing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes

Changes in lifestyle can help manage type 2 diabetes, while lifting overall health and energy.

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition; the body becomes less and less resistant to insulin as time goes on.

Not managing diabetes properly can result in a range of complications such as cardiovascular disease, blindness and kidney disease. However, it is possible to slow the progress of diabetes through a healthy diet and regular activity.

A healthy diet
Improving the quality, and in some instances, reducing the quantity, of food will help control blood sugar levels and can decrease body weight. The American Diabetes Association broadly recommends focusing on eating more non-starchy vegetables and less starchy foods and meat.

The Harvard School of Public Health recommends whole grains over highly processed carbohydrates; avoiding sugary drinks; choosing healthy fats (such as olive oil); and limiting red meat consumption.

Increase physical activity
Physical activity keeps the body in general good health, so no wonder it helps manage diabetes. Exercise removes sugars from the blood, by using them to power movement. Diabetes Australia recommends 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week, which is in line with international recommendations.

Regular blood glucose monitoring
Regularly monitoring blood glucose is an important step to understand how effectively diabetes is being managed. Monitoring is usually done daily at home with a finger prick.
For those with type 2 diabetes, making simple yet effective lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on longevity. Managing body weight, regular exercise and healthy eating can help reduce the effect of type 2 diabetes on your health.