Being diagnosed with diabetes can be overwhelming, but with appropriate lifestyle changes and support from healthcare professionals, it is possible to manage the condition and live a healthy life. According to recent estimates, around 1.5 million people in the US are diagnosed with diabetes every year. If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, here are five common lifestyle changes to consider:
Understanding Diabetes
Gaining a deeper understanding of diabetes is crucial to successful management. This means seeking guidance from knowledgeable healthcare professionals and learning about the condition's intricacies.
In type 2 diabetes patients, blood sugar remains high because the cells in their bodies do not react well to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. This results in the pancreas producing more insulin to compensate, which over time may lead to a lack of insulin.
Dietary Changes
Dietary changes are often necessary to manage type 2 diabetes. It might take some time to adjust to thinking of food as fuel. Patients should prioritize healthy habits, such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and abstaining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
After a diagnosis of diabetes, thinking of food as fuel and considering how each food or meal will impact blood sugar is a healthy approach to managing the condition.
Lifestyle Changes
Being overweight is a significant risk factor for developing diabetes, so doctors will encourage weight loss for overweight and obese individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Losing weight may improve blood sugar control as well as other health areas like blood pressure.
Patients newly diagnosed with diabetes learn the importance of adopting a healthier lifestyle to manage their condition. Avoiding unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can make it easier to control blood sugar when paired with additional lifestyle changes, such as exercising more, eating more vegetables, and limiting intake of processed sugar.
Understanding the Impact of High Blood Sugar
Many newly-diagnosed diabetes patients are unaware of the impact high blood sugar has on their overall health. It can make you feel tired, moody, unmotivated, and even negatively affect productivity and sexual wellness. High blood sugar can make it tougher to become pregnant, reduce sex drive, promote weight gain, and increase the risk of depression and anxiety. High blood sugar and sleep disturbance often go hand in hand.
Positive Outcomes
Receiving a diabetes diagnosis does not mean an end to an enjoyable life. Maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle is key to keeping blood sugar levels stable and, in turn, can have a positive impact on overall well-being. By making lifestyle changes and working closely with healthcare professionals, anyone with diabetes can take control and improve their health.
Everything You Need Available At Netrition
Choosing the right products is essential for managing diabetes effectively. When it comes to finding diabetes-friendly foods, snacks, and desserts, the Netrition website is a valuable resource. They offer a wide variety of options specifically tailored for individuals with diabetes. By making informed choices and incorporating these diabetes-friendly products into your diet, you can better control your blood sugar levels and improve your overall well-being. Visit the Netrition website today to explore the extensive selection of diabetes-friendly options.
