Managing Your Diabetes so It Doesn’t Manage You!

written by Dr. Michael Kaye |

The dreaded diagnosis has been made. Type II diabetes. Millions of people suffer from Type II diabetes and moreover, from the complications that it brings when the disease is not properly managed. As difficult as it may be to accept the condition and need to stay focused on managing the disease, you can find peace and comfort in the fact that it is entirely manageable and future complications need not arise!

The complications that arise from diabetes are vascular in nature due to excessive blood sugar that makes blood “sticky” and viscous, which complicates circulation. Diabetics are more susceptible to developing cardiovascular disease, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke and infections in the extremities. The key to managing diabetes and avoiding these complications is to lower blood glucose levels.

Most physicians will prescribe oral insulin, but this is not all that’s necessary to manage diabetes. In fact, your body may become resistant to the insulin if you do not take measures to naturally control your blood glucose levels as well. (Do not discontinue ANY prescriptions without the express consent of your physician or health care provider!)

Weight loss

Many diabetic patients have managed if not reversed diabetes simply by losing weight. The “simple” part may be a bit of an exaggeration because of course, weight loss is not always an easy endeavor. However, no longer is weight loss merely a goal of aesthetics but one of necessity for better health.

As soon as you have your doctor’s permission, you should begin an exercise program . Whether you are simply going for a brisk walk on a daily basis or partaking in a formal exercise program, you’ll be working every day towards a healthier weight. Exercise alone has been proven to lower blood glucose levels in Type II diabetic patients.

Swimming is a great form of exercise, yet it’s gentle to the rest of the body. Other fantastic forms of gentle exercise are yoga, tai-chi and bicycling. There are so many forms of exercise, so don’t limit yourself to programs that you find boring. You’ll never stick to exercising regularly if you do not find it enjoyable, so think about things you enjoy doing (i.e. dancing?) and find a program that screams FUN!

In addition to regular exercise, your diet needs to be modified to encourage weight loss as well as control your blood glucose levels.

Adjusting your diet

There’s quite a bit of complicated information regarding the appropriate diet for weight loss. Forget what you’ve heard and follow this incredibly simple advice. (If you’ve been given a strict diet via your healthcare provider, check with them if the following advice differs. Do not change your doctor-ordered (or RD) diet without their consent.)

1. Eat several small meals throughout the day to stabilize your blood sugar and increase your metabolism.

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