What does a healthy lifestyle have in common with managing Type II Diabetes? It
turns out there's a lot. That's good news. It puts you in the driver's seat when
it comes to managing Type II Diabetes.
Type II Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when your body
is unable to properly use sugar, also called glucose that comes with the food
you eat. That means, your body can't make enough insulin or use your own insulin
properly. The result is too much sugar in your blood, which can also lead to
serious health problems if it isn't managed well. If your blood sugar is higher
than normal, but not high enough to be Type II Diabetes, that's called
pre-diabetes. But remember you are in the driver's seat, and a big part of
achieving good blood sugar control is a balancing act between the food you eat
and the physical activities you do.
Healthy eating is about having three meals a day, managing portion sizes and
knowing how to fit in carbohydrate foods that break down into sugar; like fruit,
rice, bread and even sweets. A good rule of thumb is to fill half your plate
with non-starchy vegetables which includes almost all vegetables. Getting
regular exercise goes hand-in-hand with what you eat. Exercise uses the sugar
from food to fuel your muscles. This helps keep your blood sugar levels in a
healthy range. Exercise and physical activity also help with losing or managing
your weight so your body can use insulin better. Try to get 30 to 60 minutes of
physical activity on most days and try to limit the amount of time you spend
sitting. Remember, any amount of exercise or ways you can move your body will
help. That includes activities like doing yard work or taking the stairs.
Sometimes daily medications are needed to help your body keep blood sugar levels
in a healthy range, that may include taking pills or taking insulin shots.
Another important part of managing Type II Diabetes is checking your own blood
sugar. This gives you instant feedback about how you are doing. It's like
checking the dashboard in your car to make sure everything is working well so
you can get to where you're going.
One thing is for sure, there will be some challenging times along your Type II
Diabetes journey. But with the help with your VA Health Care team you can plan
for some of the most common challenges like learning to identify and know what
to do when you have low and high blood sugar levels, and how to manage days when
you're sick.
Having some healthy ways of coping will also help when things get tough, faith
based activities, meditation, exercise and enjoyable hobby are just a few ways
to deal with these emotional stresses. Be sure to surround yourself with
positive people who support you, your family and friends or maybe join a
diabetes support group where you can share with others who have the same
challenges you have.
When you manage to Type II diabetes well daily, you also reduce your risk for
developing complications later on like heart, kidney and eye disease, nerve
problems and foot infections. It also helps to see your VA provider regularly to
get all your recommended immunizations and eye exams and to quit if you use
tobacco.
Remember, there's no one approach for managing Type II Diabetes that works for
everyone, that's the most important part of the VA's Whole Health approach of
providing care to veterans. So based on your needs and your preferences, your VA
Health Care team will help you develop a plan and learn the skills for what work
best for you so that you can get on with enjoying your life's journey.
For more diabetes and prediabetes information and resources visit
www.veteranshealthlibrary.org copyright 2019 United States Department of
Veterans Affairs, all rights reserved.