Type II Diabetes – Control through Diet and Exercise

If you have been diagnosed with type II Diabetes, you may be able to control your condition through diet and exercise. Many people have genetic inclinations for diabetes, but the disease is usually brought on by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. It can be difficult to turn around the harm caused by years of unhealthy living; however, by changing the way you eat and work out, you can help control diabetes and can lead a fairly normal life without the need for insulin-regulating medicine.

Consult before acting

Before embarking on a workout plan or adhering to a new diet, you should first consult your doctor. They will probably make dietary suggestions and will usually refer you to a dietician who can help you plan your meals. The dietician will tell you what you can and cannot eat, and what you can eat in moderation. You will have to cut out all of the sugar from your diet. This means drinking diet sodas and eating sugar-free candy on those special occasions.

Food

It is important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. This is a must to take the place of all of those empty calories. This will help you feeling full and energetic. You should make sure to take in enough protein to help your muscles get your through your new workout schedule. You should also drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. You will want to eat several small meals throughout the day. It is always useful rather than just eating two or three times with a lot of time in between. By eating more small meals, you will keep your blood sugar at a more steady level. This will avoid the ups and downs associated with large meals followed by gaps in eating.

Exercise

Once your diet is under control, the next step is to begin an exercise program. You don’t have to aim for running a marathon or even a mile. Walking is the most prescribed form of exercise for type II diabetes patients. Whether you walk in the mall, around the neighborhood or on a treadmill, the most important thing is to get moving and to keep moving for an extended period of time every single day. Though you may not feel motivated at first, you will soon start to look and feel better and better.

If you find walking boring, try to find a partner who will keep you motivated. There are also many diabetes support groups that have walking clubs that meet daily. They can provide inspiration and encouragement by sharing success stories. This makes you aware of the complications that can arise if the disease is left untreated. Once you get into fairly good shape, you might try playing a sport that you enjoy, like golf or tennis. You could also join a gym and participate in some yoga or aerobics classes. This will add some variety to your workout plan.

Changes in the lifestyle

Keep in mind that the best way to avoid type II diabetes complications is to change your lifestyle. Many of the common problems can be avoided by staying away from sugar and other harmful foods. By exercising and staying healthy, you can avoid loss of vision and blood circulation problems. Such problems has possible association with this disease. Thus one can avoid use of expensive and weakening drugs to keep his/her blood sugar at a healthy level. Remember that your body is your most important asset, and keeping it working properly should be your highest priority.