Controlling your blood sugar and your Type 2 diabetes is a lifetime journey. Diabetes, perhaps more than any other chronic disease, must be managed largely by diabetics themselves. Because of this, you should learn the best steps to control your health for the rest of your life.
Type 2 diabetes is a very serious health problem which you cannot just forget and disregard. It can affect almost every organ in your body and this can lead to chronic complications such as cardiac diseases, stroke, kidney problems, eye problems, and nerve damage.
You have a lot to learn, but no one expects you to learn everything at once. It takes time to absorb it all. Here are five basic steps to help you gain control of your Type 2 diabetes:
Step one: Acceptance leads to control - accepting you have diabetes is difficult even if you have symptoms when you were diagnosed. It is easier to deny it rather than dealing with this sudden change to your life as you knew it. It is easy to take oral medications, but changing your way of living is much more difficult. Acceptance takes time but once you are able to accept the fact you really do have Type 2 diabetes, you can start taking control of this disease.
Step two: Learn more about your diabetes - educating yourself about your health problem can help you adjust to your ongoing situation. Asking your doctor about Type 2 diabetes and how to deal with it is the start of gathering information. In addition to this, you can also look for printed materials and material published online. Learn why diabetes is a serious health problem. Know how to properly care for your health.
Step three: Become familiar with your HbA1c, your blood pressure and your blood cholesterol level - your HbA1c percentage reflects the average control of your blood sugar level during the past three months. Your blood pressure should always be less than 130/80. Lastly, you should learn about the three different components of cholesterol: LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Your LDL and HDL cholesterols are not affected by meals, but your triglyceride level does rise directly after you've eaten.
Step four: Learn to manage your diabetes
1. Know how to apply a diabetic meal plan to your regular diet by eating less fat, less salt, low-GI foods, and increasing your fiber intake. Stick to your diet as closely as possible, don't be afraid to modify it based on your test results.
2. Adapt to a healthy, physically active lifestyle. Having regular physical activity is a cornerstone for the treatment of your diabetes. Move as much as you can, not everyone is able to do strenuous exercise.
3. Control your weight - weight loss will reduce your insulin resistance and will make your diabetes easier to control.
4. Stop smoking - smoking is a particular risk factor for foot problems, not to mention being bad for your heart and lungs.
5. Take the anti-diabetic medication prescribed by your doctor - even when you are feeling OK.
6. Regularly brush and floss your teeth to prevent oral complications - high blood sugar levels make cavities more likely to occur. Diabetes also increases your risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
7. Check your blood sugar regularly. Keep your blood sugar levels in the normal range; this will almost ensure that you never develop diabetes complications.
8. Check your blood pressure regularly - having diabetes means you're at greater risk for heart disease and stroke.
9. Regularly have an eye examination - early retinopathy has no symptoms, so it's important to get an annual eye examination.
Step five: Understand and follow routine diabetes care -
1. Make sure your doctor checks your feet for any problems at every visit, your blood pressure and blood sugar read-outs, each time you visit him.
2. Have your HbA1c taken at least twice each year.
3. Check your lipid profile, have a complete foot and teeth exam at least once a year.
4. Receive your flu vaccine once a year.
5. Check your kidney status through urine testing and creatinine determination, at least once a year.
