How Can I Better Manage My Type 2 Diabetes?

• Eat healthy. Excess calories lead to weight gain. Also,
the foods you eat impact blood sugar, blood pressure,
and cholesterol levels. Eating frequently and balancing
carbohydrates throughout the day will help keep blood
glucose levels stable.
• Lose excess weight. Losing weight can help prevent the
long-term complications of type 2 diabetes. Maintaining
a healthy weight can lower cholesterol, decrease blood
pressure, and may allow patients to control type 2 diabetes
without medication.
• Exercise daily. Exercise can help prevent cardiovascular
disease, stroke, and other diabetes-related complications.
Consult your primary care physician before starting any
exercise routine.
• Monitor blood sugar levels. Knowing your count allows
you to better maintain an acceptable blood glucose level.
The target blood glucose level for most type 2 diabetics is
70 to 130 before meals and less than 180 one to two hours
after meals.
• See your physician regularly. Diabetes is a serious condition
that is associated with the development of many
complications such as kidney damage or cardiovascular
disease. People with diabetes should maintain regular
contact with a healthcare provider to ensure they are
managing the disease correctly.