If you have type 2 diabetes, you are not alone – more than 38 million people in the United States have type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Managing your type 2 diabetes is essential for a good quality of life. After all, poorly controlled blood sugar levels can lead to conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease, nerve damage in your arms or legs, skin conditions, dementia, and eye damage. In addition to consulting with your doctor, here are some important things you can do to manage your diabetes.
How To Manage Your Type 2 Diabetes
Eat Healthy
While there is no one diet recommended for people with type 2 diabetes, regularly eating foods rich in nutrients and low in calories can help you control your blood sugar. Some examples include healthy carbohydrates, such as vegetables and low-fat dairy, dietary fiber, heart-healthy fish, and nuts. Avoid foods and beverages that contain sugar, saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity can help you lose and maintain a healthy weight. Plus, exercise lowers blood sugar levels.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
A healthy weight can help improve your control over your blood sugar levels.
Take All Medications as Directed
In many cases, your doctor may prescribe insulin or other medications to help control and manage your blood glucose. Taking these medications as directed helps prevent dangerous spikes in your glucose.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar
Your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood sugar at home to prevent your glucose from being too high or too low. Medical professionals discuss blood sugar levels in terms of milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. Your blood glucose level should be about 125 mg/dL.
Determine Your A1C
A1C (HbA1C) is a blood test that shows your average blood glucose for the past three months. This test serves as a “snapshot” of how well you are managing your type 2 diabetes.
Manage Complications of Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes leaves you vulnerable to certain complications, such as gum infections, vision problems, nerve damage, and more. If you are experiencing a complication of type 2 diabetes, have it treated right away and speak to your doctor about managing your diabetes to prevent the development of other conditions.
See Your Doctor Regularly
Your doctor can help you manage your type 2 diabetes by performing advanced blood tests, such as A1C, to determine how well-controlled your blood sugar is. They can also recommend other changes to your lifestyle that help control blood sugar levels.
For more information on type 2 diabetes and ways to manage it, consult with the professionals at Prima Medicine. You can contact our Fairfax location at 703-382-57760, our Merrifield location at 703-957-7271, or our South Riding location at 703-775-4801.
