Having diabetes is not pleasant. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to allow it to take control over your life. While diabetes has an impact on daily living, you can do things to take control of it and make your condition easier to manage. It is imperative that you work closely with a diabetes endocrinologist aside from focusing on various changes in your daily life.

Healthy Diet

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is extremely important that you follow a diet that is healthy. Remember, what you eat will have an effect on your blood sugar. Even though there are no foods that are off-limits, you only want to eat as much as your body needs. Make sure that you eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also incorporate lean meats and nonfat dairy. Foods that are high in sugar or fat should be limited. A healthy diet is even more important to follow if you take insulin or pills to help control your blood sugar levels.

Exercise

This is a given. If you are not active, it is time to start. It doesn’t mean that you have to do cross-training or even join a gym. However, just riding a bike, walking, or playing active video games can count as daily exercise. Aim for 30 minutes of activity every day that makes you breathe and sweat a little. Staying active will help you keep your diabetes under control. It also reduces your risk of developing heart disease and can reduce stress. Exercise can also help you lose weight, which is important if you have type 2 diabetes.

Stress Management

Your blood sugar levels increase whenever you are stressed. When you are anxious, you may neglect the way you manage your diabetes. You may not eat right, forget to take your medicine, or even exercise. There are various ways you can relieve stress, whether it is via yoga, deep breathing, or other relaxing hobbies.

Avoid Smoking

Type 2 diabetes puts you at a much higher risk of developing eye disease, heart disease, kidney disease, blood vessel disease, stroke, foot problems, or nerve damage. If you are a smoker, your chances are even higher of developing these diseases. Smoking can make it challenging to exercise. Speak with your doctor about finding ways to help you stop smoking.

Get Regular Checkups

Finally, make sure that you visit your doctor at least twice a year if you have Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes increases your chances of developing heart disease. Familiarize yourself with your numbers for your blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1c. Be sure to get a full eye exam once a year and visit a foot doctor to check for issues such as nerve damage and foot ulcers.