7 Tips for Managing Diabetes Type 2 in the New Year
Posted: Sunday, January 08, 2012
by Liz Canham
http://www.internetmarketingwithliz.com
New Year's resolutions are all very well and some people stick to theirs but it's easier said than done, especially when those resolutions relate to lifestyle changes. Managing diabetes type 2 isn't just for the New Year, it's for ever, but don't be too hard on yourself or you'll end up frustrated and angry.
Here are 7 tips for managing diabetes type 2 without driving yourself to distraction.
Tip #2 - Do your home blood tests at all different times of the day, not just first thing in the morning. Do tests when you don't feel that well or when you've done some exercise as well as two hours after a meal. Keep your own separate records in case your blood test machine goes wrong.
Tip #3 - Take as much exercise as possible. Not only will this help you to lose weight or maintain your weight but it will help to reduce your blood sugar. A pedometer will help you to count how many steps you're taking (the ideal is 10,000 or 5 miles per day) but if walking isn't your thing, try swimming instead.
Tip #4 - Try to stay stress free. Worrying about your weight or indeed anything else will increase your blood sugar levels. Get a massage or practice yoga and don't weigh yourself more than once per week. This will show you if you are losing or gaining weight overall. If you're gaining weight share your worries with a healthcare professional who will help you to manage your diet.
Tip #5 - When dishing up meals, choose a smaller plate than usual. Make sure that you eat lots of green vegetables a small amount of protein and some wholegrain high fibre foods. Never skip meals and eat little and often.
Tip #6 - Drink lots of water; it will keep you hydrated, fill you up before meals and doesn't contain any calories. Avoid fruit juice and carbonated drinks unless they are sugar free. Even diet drinks should be limited as the sugar substitutes aren't good for you in large quantities.
Tip #7 - Go easy on yourself and start off with just two resolutions to change your lifestyle. When you can stick to these for three months add another change and so on. Don't beat yourself up if you stray from your goal, just start again when you feel able.
If you have difficulty following these tips for managing type 2 diabetes, then try to find someone else in the same situation to work with or join a self help group or an online forum. It helps to have other people to relate to.
For more information on managing diabetes type 2 and for diabetes diet tips, visit The Good Diabetic Diet.
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