What to Do If You Have Type 2 Diabetes
Get Mental Health Coaching
Living with type 2 diabetes often goes hand-in-hand with dealing with depression. This is more common than you might realize. Depression can seriously impact your ability to take care of yourself, decreasing your motivation to exercise, eat healthily, or remember to take your medications. These actions are essential in managing diabetes. That’s where mental health coaching comes into play. It can help alleviate depression and, in turn, lower your blood sugar levels. Both your body and mind will benefit immensely!
Eat a Better Diet
One simple change you can make is to improve your eating habits. Recent studies suggest that eating healthier over time—by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, or whole grains into your diet—can reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes by about 20 percent. Not sure where to begin? Here are some dietary choices you might find helpful, but always consult your doctor before making any changes, especially if you’re on medication or insulin:
Since diabetes involves carbohydrate intolerance, a low-carb diet might be a fantastic choice for lowering blood sugar and reducing heart disease risk. There’s also evidence suggesting that reducing your salt intake can halve your risk of heart disease. Unless you’re vegan, eating more eggs could help lower your type 2 diabetes risk. Adding beneficial herbs like rosemary and oregano to your meals can have effects similar to medications used to control blood sugar. Some studies also indicate that fasting might be beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes.
Exercise
For those already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high levels of sugar and fat in the blood increase cardiovascular risks. Exercise has long been recommended, but one study suggests it might be most effective when done after a meal. Exercise isn’t just for adults, either! Why not turn after-dinner exercise into a family activity? Kids should also consider cutting back on screen time. A study found that heavy use of electronic media, particularly excessive TV and video watching, was linked to higher levels of cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes risk factors in children.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
Are you overwhelmed by deadlines at work? Workplace stress could be a contributing factor to type 2 diabetes. Recent research has identified a possible connection between high levels of work-related stress and a nearly 45 percent increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Considering meditation might provide significant relief.
One Final Thought
Managing type 2 diabetes involves a holistic approach, including mental health, diet, exercise, and stress management. Each aspect plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall health and well-being. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making any major changes to your routine.
