Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect anyone, and it can be challenging to detect at its earliest stage. However, lifestyle measures, including proper diet and exercise, can significantly help manage the disease. Initially, people with type 2 diabetes may not have any symptoms, but later symptoms may include frequent infections, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Therefore, current guidelines recommend that people aged 45 and above have regular screenings for diabetes.
Treatment
Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition requiring several different treatment forms. While many people with this disorder can control their blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes alone, others require medications and insulin therapy. In either case, checking your blood glucose levels daily is essential to determine what treatments are necessary. This will also help you develop a personalized diabetes plan that will help you control your blood sugar.
In addition to lowering blood glucose levels, treatment for Type 2 diabetes may also include exercise. A combination of exercise and diet can help lower blood sugar levels and may help prevent complications. However, you will need emergency care if you have a severe case. A healthy lifestyle and a well-managed diabetes regimen will ensure a good outcome and minimize the risk of weight gain from diabetes medication.
Those with type 2 diabetes should focus on reducing their sedentary time and increasing physical activity. They should achieve a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each week, spread out over three days. In addition, children and young adults should aim for 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity daily. Resistance exercise is also essential for improving strength and balance. Ideally, adults should engage in two or three weekly resistance exercise sessions. Older adults should engage in some form of resistance training as well.
Prevention
There are lifestyle changes that can prevent type 2 diabetes or at least delay its onset. Changing your diet and increasing your physical activity are two of the most important ways to prevent the disease. In addition, these lifestyle changes can prevent prediabetes, which is a precursor to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Preventing diabetes is possible with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management. It is also essential to avoid smoking. However, these behavioral changes can’t be expected to occur on one’s own. Instead, families, workplaces, and schools must work together to make healthy choices simple and easy. There are also resources available on this topic, such as toolkits, which provide information on effective lifestyle changes for individuals.
Lifestyle and environmental factors can also increase the risk of diabetes. Many people with diabetes have multiple complications and are at a much higher risk of developing kidney disease. Diabetes also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.