While diabetes type 1 is typically a genetic condition and is predominantly diagnosed early in an individual’s childhood, type 2 is lifestyle-dependent and tends to develop over a period of time. 

Regardless of the type, you may want to make a few changes in your day-to-day life in order to live more healthily. From improving your diet to prioritising your fitness, your condition is manageable.

Learn about five easy but effective ways to lead a healthy life with diabetes. 

5 lifestyle changes to better manage your diabetes

Simple but healthy changes to your lifestyle may make managing your diabetes easier. Incorporate the following into your everyday life and you’ll see changes in both your body and your mindset.

A healthy diet

Eating healthily is vital if you have diabetes. This is because the type of food you eat affects your blood sugar. Make sure to eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and focus on eating only as much as your body needs. Foods that are high in sugar and fat should be taken in minimal amounts or not at all.

Exercise

Regardless of whether you’re a fitness-freak or lead a more sedentary lifestyle, do some sort of exercise every day. You don’t have to join a gym or take classes, such as yoga or pilates – even a walk around the block or playing with your dog for 30 minutes will do. An active lifestyle will help to bring your blood sugar down. It also reduces your risk of getting heart disease. Being active will aid in weight loss and ease stress, which we will discuss next. 

Weight management

Weight management makes it easier to manage your diabetes. Eating a healthy diet and keeping fit are key to losing weight. The newer drugs for diabetes will also assist in losing weight. Managing your weight decreases the risk for high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure, as discussed above. This is crucial in reducing the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death for people with diabetes. 

Reduce stress and anxiety

Stress increases your blood sugar levels and when you’re stressed, managing your diabetes might be a struggle. Never underestimate how your mental health can affect your physical health. You may forget or not even want to exercise, eat healthy, or take medication which is vital for managing your diabetes. Simple ways to relieve stress include deep breathing, meditation, doing the things you enjoy, and being around people you love. 

Regular checkups

See your doctor regularly, or at least twice a year. This helps you and your physician keep track of your condition. Diabetes also raises the risk of heart disease so it’s extremely important to monitor your heart health. There are also several comorbidities to keep in mind if you are a diabetic. If you have diabetes, you’re at risk for diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss and blindness, so be sure to get a full eye exam every year. Diabetics are also prone to developing foot ulcers so to be safe, visit a foot doctor if you have any concerns.

Bottom line

You can lead a healthy and happy life with diabetes by making a few simple changes, such as prioritising a healthy diet and making an effort to be active for at least 30 minutes each day. Above all, managing your diabetes requires regular checkups with your doctor or clinic to ensure that your body is responding well to both your medication and lifestyle. 

The lenmed Group is a world-class chain of Private Hospitals that brings quality healthcare to communities across Southern Africa.

For more information please contact: 

Dr Kees de Hoog

Specialist Physician

Lenmed Wilmed Park Private Hospital, Suite 205

Tel: +27 18 468 1228