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Originally Posted On: https://www.prescriptionpoint.com/blog/the-ultimate-type-2-diabetes-management-plan/

 

Finding out you have type 2 diabetes can come as a shock. You’re going to need to make some major adjustments to your daily routine. But with the right diabetes management plan, you don’t have to let it run your life.

Developing a care plan after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will help manage your diabetes and take back control over your life. Continue reading to find out how you can live happily with Type 2 Diabetes.

Meal Planning

If you’re going to maintain your blood sugar levels, you’re going to need a plan. You can make your daily routine a lot easier by planning your meals ahead of time.

Stock up on healthy and nutritious meals that can be made quickly. Start by buying whole foods such as fruits and vegetables. For protein, you should stick to organic, lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish.

You can also find plant-based protein sources such as spinach, quinoa, and legumes. When you are choosing plant-based proteins be sure to limit the number of carbohydrates you eat. On average, you should get 45-60% of your daily calories from carbs as someone with diabetes. Some suggest even less than that.

Getting into a comfortable routine and planning ahead will help you stick to a diet plan and avoid dangerous spikes in your blood sugar levels. You should also get in the habit of checking food labels and looking up the nutritional facts about the foods you eat.

Consult with a nutritionist to help you get on track to eating a well-rounded diet.

Watch Your Carbs

Since carbohydrates turn to sugar in your body, it’s no wonder that watching your carbs is a big part of how to manage diabetes. Having type 1 or 2 diabetes means your body has a difficult time processing and using blood sugar.

Your body needs carbs to function but not all carbs are created equally. Eating complex carbs and fiber is much better for you because they take longer to break down during digestion. Meaning, you won’t experience a giant spike in your blood sugar.

There are three main types of carbohydrates: starches, sugars, and fiber. Starches are complex carbs such as potatoes, beans, and grains like brown rice or quinoa. Sugars are both naturally occurring in fruits or added in sweets like chocolate or yogurt.

Fiber is commonly found in vegetables such as green beans and broccoli. It is also found in eggs, meat or fish. Complex carbs such as starches, and fiber that are naturally occurring are a safer bet. Since your body slowly breaks them down.

Added sugars should be avoided (or eliminated) as much as possible since it causes your insulin levels to spike quicker. Tracking your carbs every day will help you to avoid having too much sugar. You can find tracking apps for your phone that make tracking food more convenient.

Get Active

Another way you can manage your type 2 diabetes is through regular fitness and exercise. Having a healthy diet can make a big difference but there’s no substitute for being active.

Getting exercise is not only going to help you get in shape and stay healthier it also makes you feel better. Find a regime that you enjoy and works with your schedule. It can be as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood or spending 30 minutes at the gym.

Everyone’s fitness level is different, so you should consult with your doctor or trainer for a workout plan that is safe for you. Have fun with your exercise and don’t be afraid to mix it up so you don’t get bored. You can listen to music or find a workout buddy to help you stay motivated.

Take Your Meds

Another key component to maintaining an effective diabetes management plan is taking your medication. Your doctor may test your blood sugar two to four times a year using the A1C test. From there, you will discuss your personal goals and determine the proper medication, meal plan, and exercise level based on your age and other categories.

You may be required to test your blood sugar level regularly as part of your treatment plan. If you’re taking insulin medications, this might mean multiple tests throughout the day.

Your doctor may combine different medications and insulin therapy depending on your personal circumstances and other medications you are on. You can keep up with your medications by refilling prescriptions online.

Which Medication Is Right For You?

Some common medications are metformin which is used to lower glucose production in your liver. It is usually the first medication prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes.

Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides are medications prescribed to help your pancreas produce more insulin. Some examples are glyburide, glipizide, and glimepiride. Other medications such as DPP-4 inhibitors help to reduce blood sugar levels without causing weight gain. They do have other side effects such as joint pain and risk of pancreatitis.

Injectable medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, slows your digestion to help reduce blood sugar levels. These can also help with weight loss. Although they could cause nausea and increase your risk of pancreatitis.

SGLT2 inhibitors prevent your kidneys from reabsorbing sugar by excreting it instead. This drug class can help to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. So it is prescribed to people who are a high risk of these conditions.

Insulin Therapy

Insulin therapy has grown in popularity for type 2 diabetes patients because of its effectiveness. The insulin is administered through injections because normal digestion is not effective. Your doctor may have you take different types of insulins throughout the day because they each work differently.

You may start by taking one long-acting shot at night. Typically insulin glargine (Lantus) or insulin detemir (Levemir) is prescribed. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the effects of the medications and insulin you are taking to find the one that works best for you.

Diabetes Management That Works

To create a diabetes management plan that is effective you must commit to a plan that incorporates a healthy diet, exercise, and medication(s). Combined, these three aspects will give you the best chance at maintaining your blood sugar level goals.

Looking for more ways to stay healthy and avoid an insulin spike? Check out these informative articles here.