For people with type 2 diabetes, it is important to know that this condition requires one to be consistent in efforts to keep blood sugar levels low. It is also essential to have regular consultations with a doctor to receive all the necessary assistance. Small steps, such as losing weight, can have a significant impact on our health, and your doctor can help you achieve that.
Therefore, it is essential to meet regularly with your healthcare provider and ask questions so they can adjust your diabetes management plan accordingly. The more prepared you are for your doctor’s visits, the better your doctor can support you and address potential concerns more effectively.
Here are ten facts that people with type 2 diabetes must keep a check on:
How often should blood sugar be checked?
To manage blood sugar levels, it is crucial to check them regularly. But that does not mean that everyone needs to do it after every meal. Some people may need to check their blood sugar only once a week. While some may benefit from a continuous glucose meter, others may not need round-the-clock blood sugar monitoring.
And so, it is essential to consult your doctor for personalized guidance tailored to your medication, lifestyle, and risk of highs or lows, to help you determine the optimal schedule and identify patterns that may require adjustments to your treatment.
What should be an ideal diet for people with type 2 diabetes?
Although there is no single diet that suits all diabetes patients, food choices play a significant role in blood sugar management. It is a great idea to eat minimally processed whole foods, such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, regularly, which helps keep your blood sugar within a healthy range.
How to work out with type 2 diabetes?
Regular exercise is extremely beneficial for those with diabetes, as it helps manage weight, lower bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and improve insulin sensitivity. You can ask your doctor about adjusting your diet or medication to accommodate your workouts. Additionally, the doctor can advise exercise that are safest and most effective for your goals.
What to do when blood sugar becomes extremely high?
There may be times when blood sugar may skyrocket. Therefore, it is essential to know how to respond. Ask your doctor about short-term strategies to lower high blood sugar and how to prevent it from happening regularly. A few treatments can be:
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Learning how to calculate a correction dose of insulin
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Going for a walk after eating helps your body burn extra glucose
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Starting insulin or another diabetes medication
What should be the ideal blood sugar target?
The ideal blood sugar range varies depending on your age, health status, and whether you have other medical conditions. It should be 80 to 130 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) before meals and less than 180 mg/dL one to two hours after eating.
How do you manage diabetes during sickness?
When you are down with an infection – viral or bacterial – your blood sugar levels can fluctuate because of a low diet. You must ask your doctor how often you should check your blood sugar, when to take or pause medications, what foods or fluids to prioritise, and when it’s time to call for help.
What are other health issues I should be wary of?
Many conditions caused by diabetes can be serious and even life-threatening. These include:
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Heart diseases
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High blood pressure
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Stroke
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Kidney diseases
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Eye damage
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Foot problems
What about my vaccinations?
Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of complications from infections, such as the flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia. Be sure to consult your doctor about receiving all the recommended vaccines to protect your overall health.
How will I know if my medication works?
Getting your A1C results helps your doctor evaluate the effectiveness of your medication. You can also ask the doctor for clarification on the time range, daily blood sugar logs, and side effects of any medications you are taking. Also, on every visit, do ask when you need to revisit your medication plan.
Should I take Ozempic or Mounjaro?
There are many diabetes medications available nowadays that also support heart and kidney health, or aid in weight management. GLP-1 receptors, such as those found in Ozempic or Mounjaro, help your kidneys remove excess glucose through urine, in addition to aiding weight loss.
Type 2 diabetes requires constant management, regular monitoring, and consulting a doctor. It is not impossible to live with this condition; however, managing it effectively can help individuals improve their lives while having this condition.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
