Living with Type 2 Diabetes: A Guide to Managing Sugar Levels

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough—or any—insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells. (Terrible huh?)

So there are different types of diabetes, Type 1, Type 2, Gestational and steroid induced. In Type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. Your immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can appear at any age. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to stay alive. (Scary)

Type 2 diabetes is when your body does not make or use insulin well. You can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood. However, this type of diabetes occurs most often in middle-aged and older people. It is the most common type of diabetes (and can be managed by paying attention to diet, regular checks and exercise). Gestational diabetes develops in some women when they are pregnant. Most of the time, this type of diabetes goes away after the baby is born, Steroid induced could occur when people are treated with steroid-containing drugs such as hydrocortisone or prednisone. These drugs are excellent at reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system, but they can also result in high blood glucose levels.

So If you have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar levels are racing up and down like a roller coaster, it's time to get off the ride. By making simple but specific adjustments to your lifestyle and diet, you can gain better blood-sugar control.

STEPS TO TAKE IN CONTROLLING SUGAR LEVELS

Your blood sugar isn’t always high. Sometimes in trying to reduce it, you may go lower than the minimum and this as well poses a threat to your health (so read carefully. Wear glasses if you must)

 Use a continuous glucose monitor - Glucose meters are a great tool, but sometimes you need to keep a closer eye on your blood sugar levels. That's where a device called a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can help. This FDA-approved system tracks your blood sugar levels day and night. It collects readings automatically every 5 to 15 minutes.

It can help detect trends and patterns that give you and your doctor a more complete picture of your diabetes. The data can help you find ways to better manage your condition.

 Go nuts - Nuts such as almonds and walnuts contain healthy fat that slows the body's absorption of sugar. But be sure to limit how many nuts you eat in one sitting because even healthy fats contain calories. (we don’t want to cause more harm than good, do we?)

      Eat whole grains - Oat bran, barley, and bulgur wheat are fibre-rich foods that contain beta-glycan. This soluble fibre increases the amount of time it takes for your stomach to empty after eating and prevents spikes in blood sugar. Remember, though, that these foods are still carbohydrates. Whole grains will still raise your blood sugar, just not as quickly and as high as processed foods. (which is great right)

Veg out - Packed with fibre, non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cucumber, and carrots can also help prevent surges in blood sugar levels while providing essential nutrients. Also, don’t miss out on foods that add nutrients to your body because you are trying to regulate your sugar levels.

Spice up with cinnamon - Cinnamon may do more than just add flavour to foods. Studies have shown that cinnamon is linked to a significant drop in fasting blood sugar levels. Cinnamon may also stimulate insulin secretions from the pancreas. 

         Be versatile with vinegar -  Studies have suggested that vinegar could help slow the absorption of sugar by the body. The research revealed that 2 ounces of apple cider vinegar improved fasting blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. (good to know!)

     Don't skip meals - It's important to spread out your daily food intake, starting with breakfast. Consuming more food in just one or two meals a day causes greater fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Three healthy meals a day with two nutritious snacks in between can help maintain stable blood sugar.

Don't drink on an empty stomach - If you haven't eaten, drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop up to 24 hours later. This happens because the body is working to get rid of it. If you want to drink alcohol, check your blood sugar first. It's also important to eat before or while you drink. Another caution: symptoms of low blood sugar, such as slurred speech and dizziness, could be mistaken for drunkenness. (write this down)

Don’t be far away from your doctor – Yes, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle by paying attention to your diet and all but your doctor’s role cannot be overestimated. (Pack your things and rent a house close to him/her). But seriously, regular check-ins would do you a lot of good.

Trust Eat To Live Lifestyle – This is perhaps the most important part as you might not be able to keep up to all of the above and we are your knights in shining armour. You can get all of these healthy stuff at Eat to Live Lifestyle Café and Store for affordable prices! You can also get customized meal plans and packages that could span months and even a year! Your Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner all planned the healthy way! With us, you are on your way to a life without diabetes!