Treating type 2 diabetes
How can I take care of type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes means that your blood glucose (also called blood sugar) is too high. Your body uses glucose for energy. But having too much glucose in your blood can hurt you.When you take care of your diabetes, you'll feel better. You'll reduce your risk for problems with your kidneys, eyes, nerves, feet and legs, and teeth. You'll also lower your risk for a heart attack or a stroke.
You can take care of your diabetes by
- Being physically active
- Following a
healthy diet and meal plan
- Taking
medicines (if prescribed by your
doctor)
What can a physically active lifestyle do for me?
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases (NIH), there are a great many benefits in adopting an active lifestyle as an important part of taking care of diabetes. Research has shown that physical activity can:- Lower your
blood glucose and your
blood pressure
- Lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good
cholesterol
- Improve your body's ability to use insulin
- Lower your risk for
heart disease and stroke
- Keep your heart and bones strong
- Keep your joints flexible
- Lower your risk of falling
- Help you
lose weight
- Reduce your
body fat
- Give you more
energy
- Reduce stress and improve wellness and well-being
