Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Type 2 Diabetes

Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms, including joint pain.

Patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes are more likely to be overweight or obese, which can lead to its own set of problems with joints that are under too much stress.

In addition, people with type 2 diabetes are also more likely to develop conditions such as gout, osteoarthritis,swollen painful joints.

The good news is that simple lifestyle adjustments can make it easier for you to manage your diabetes symptoms, lower your blood sugar, lose weight, and avoid joint pain.

Here are some of the main lifestyle changes that type 2 diabetics can make:

#1. Improve Your Diet:

When you have type 2 diabetes, proper nutrition is crucial. While you’ll be able to treat yourself in moderation every now and again, it’s important to be aware of the sugar content in the foods and drinks that you consume.

Focus on eating only until you are no longer hungry, and fill up with plenty of veggies, fruits, lean meats, fish, and whole grains.

#2. Exercise More:

If you’re living a rather sedentary lifestyle right now, then it’s time to make some changes. There’s no need to join a gym, start swimming lengths every morning, or run a marathon — start off with small bursts of activity, such as brisk walking, an exercise routine, or even some at-home yoga.

Try to do at least half an hour of gentle to moderate activity at least five days of the week.

#3. Quit Smoking:

If you smoke, your risks of heart disease, cancer, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye disease, and even feet related problems are higher than that of a non-smoker. Paired with type 2 diabetes, your risk of serious disease is even higher. 

#4. Manage Your Stress Levels:

High levels of stress will cause your blood sugar levels to rise. When you’re stressed, it can also be easier to give in to temptations such as smoking a cigarette, skipping a workout, or eating a sugar-laden snack. There are various ways to manage stress – find hobbies that relax you.