Controlling Diabetes with a Balanced Diet and Exercise
Lifestyle changes can make a profoundly positive difference when it comes to controlling diabetes, not only from day to day but also over the long term as well. Because many medications associated with diabetes can create complications — such as the link between the Actos and bladder cancer — many people with diabetes are trying to reduce their need for medications and insulin injections in favor of a natural, balanced approach to blood sugar control.
A balanced diet, meaning one that contains the right nutrients in the right amounts, is quite capable of reducing the need for diabetes health medications over the long term, which is why exercising good nutrition is so essential in controlling diabetes.
1. Strike up the right balance. Balanced nutrition is essential, which means that the right nutrients need to be consumed in the right amounts. No nutrient is inherently bad, not even fats, as long as the right types are being eaten in the right amounts.
2. Work with a nutritionist. A nutritionist, especially one who has training in diabetes nutrition and diabetes health, is going to be vitally important in helping with the development of a balanced diet. Work closely with them at first in order to come up with a diabetes diet that is going to address all nutritional needs without upsetting the delicate blood glucose balance. The right nutrition plan can really go a long way in guaranteeing good diabetes management over time.
3. Find flexible choices. Do not stick to the same few foods, but rather experiment with different fruits and vegetables, breads and grains, dairy products, meats and proteins. Different foods can impact blood glucose levels in different ways. Experimenting is key to determining what is going to work well for each individual patient.
4. Track what is being consumed. Using a food journal is essential, because then patients can create a link between what is being consumed and how blood glucose levels are being managed over time. Consult this log over time to determine whether the nutrition plan is working.
5. Drink enough water. Getting enough water to drink is essential for everyone, but this is especially true for people with diabetes. Excess sugars are flushed out through the urine, and so getting enough to drink can really help. Aim for 64 ounces of water every day, at a minimum.
6. Take a multivitamin. There are multivitamin products that are intended for people with diabetes. They contain the most important vitamins and nutrients for someone who has diabetes and wants to manage their health. Taking a vitamin on a daily basis can benefit blood glucose control.
7. Exercise is an important piece of the equation to manage blood sugar. Exercise can have a very positive impact on the ability to manage diabetes and prevent further complications. The best way to reduce the detrimental side effects that diabetes has on the body is to develop an exercise routine and to find other ways to practice positive diabetes health management.
A few basic steps in the right direction can create good diabetes health through balanced nutrition. Practicing good nutrition every day can impact blood sugar control not only today, but well into the future as well. Many patients who are controlling diabetes (type 2 diabetes) find that it is much easier to manage blood glucose levels when good nutrition and diabetes health is being put into practice.
Elizabeth Carrollton uses her background in journalism to write for DrugWatch.com. Much of her work at Drugwatch includes editorials pertaining to diabetes management, along with developing alternative solutions to control the conditions. Elizabeth is dedicated to helping consumers that are affected by the dangerous side effects of over-the-counter and prescription medications and medical devices.
