Living with type 2 diabetes can be a challenging responsibility, but with some practice, you can live a healthy, enjoyable life. Here you will learn how to take care of yourself and how to manage your diabetes and lifestyle.

Living Healthy with Diabetes

After you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you will obviously have to make some lifestyle changes.

The first step is EDUCATION. You must learn the in's and out's of this disease. You can start by reading through our type 2 diabetes section: What is Type 2 Diabetes?

As you are becoming familiar with type 2 diabetes, you can begin to start making some healthy lifestyle changes:

• Start a consistent exercise program
• Switch to a healthy low glycemic diet
• Start a high quality nutritional supplement program
• Keep your condition controlled
• Reduce your weight if you are overweight
• If you are drinking alcohol, smoking or using any tobacco products... STOP! (or definitely reduce your use)
• Find a good support system
• Do what you can to reduce stress (yoga, meditation, massages)
• Stay in touch with your doctor/healthcare team
• Stay positive!

Living with type 2 diabetes doesn't have to ruin your life. Besides, don't you think these are things that you should be doing anyway?

Who Should I Tell?

First and foremost, your doctor and healthcare team will know. Who you will tell after that is really a personal decision.

In my opinion, living with type 2 diabetes isn't a journey you should travel alone. Some people can even become depressed with diabetes.

As I mentioned above, a good support system is critical. Not for just the moral support... depending on how severe the diabetes is, you may find yourself in a hypoglycemia situation where you can't help yourself. For example you may be passed out or in a coma.

In moments like this, you would want those around you to know about your situation and be educated enough to know how to help.

Families

Good or bad, when things happen to you, those closest to you will be affected. Living with type 2 diabetes can cause all kinds of emotions around those you love.

Some people may be critical of your situation, others may be sympathetic. Some may feel like there is nothing they can do to help and still others may go completely overboard with their help.

Studies show that families' perception of type 2 diabetes is worse than those who actually have the disease. All of this confusion is based on one thing: their lack of knowledge.

As it was for you, the first step for family and friends is education. Teach them about living with type 2 diabetes and show them how to help you. Teach them about the signs and symptoms and how you plan on keeping your situation under control.

You now have a chance to get the whole family involved in a new, healthy lifestyle! This includes healthy eating as well as exercise.

But don't be surprised if some of them don't follow along with your new healthy changes. Everyone (including you) must be patient and supportive.

If your family isn't being supportive, find your support from somewhere else. Try your friends, different family members or local community support groups.

What to Watch Out For

The key to living with type 2 diabetes is to keep your blood sugar under control. So, obviously, you will want to monitor it closely. You will need to become a detective!

Sometimes type 2 diabetics who are on oral medication have to change to insulin after several years. Monitor your blood glucose regularly and keep your healthcare team informed.

Also, pay close attention to how exercise and diet change your blood sugar. Follow a low glycemic diet and stay away from the bad fats. Here is something that can help... a list of foods that lower blood sugar.

Watch and control your blood pressure too. Let your healthcare team know if it is too high.

What Can I Do?

Being diabetic should not limit you! You just need to get out there and get active! Doing physical labor (such as gardening and working around the house) and other exercise is important when trying to live well with diabetes. Studies show that those people with type 2 diabetes who lead an active lifestyle are less likely to die from heart disease.

Is that enough to get you out there? Run, walk, play sports, play with the kids, do housework. Just get your body moving!

When you increase your exercise, you will want to keep a close eye on your blood sugar. Excessive, strenuous exercise can raise OR lower your blood sugar. Do your best to keep your glucose levels at normal blood sugar ranges and make adjustments when necessary.

What Can't I Do?

On the flipside, if you don't keep your diabetes under control, the simplest task may cause you problems. Activity could make you tired and any injuries could be dangerous.

If you are an insulin-dependent diabetic, there are some jobs that are hard to get (or you may not want to have). Occupations such as drivers for public transportation (trains and busses), pilot, military, fireman, policeman and tractor-trailer driver among others.

The federal and state rules are changing so check your local laws.

Living well with diabetes is your goal... and you can do it!

Stay on top of your situation, get educated, get active, eat right... use the pages of this site, follow my program and get healthy.

ARE YOU AT RISK?
Take the Diabetes Risk Test to
help you determine your risk of developing
pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

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