Manage Diabetes Without Shots

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people, most of which rely on insulin shots to help manage the condition and the effects of the disease. 

Type 2 diabetes is the more common type of diabetes, which is characterized by high levels of sugars in the blood. The insulin shots help the body regulate the sugars and dispose of them, but so many people don't like to use extra medications unless they have to. The good thing about type 2 diabetes is that it can be somewhat controlled without shots.

The important thing to consider is a healthy diet, regular exercise, a healthy weight, and then if needed medications.

It is important to know and be aware of the following concepts and skills once you've been diagnosed with diabetes.

• How to test and record your blood glucose
• What and when to eat
• How to take medications
• How to recognize and treat fluctuations in blood sugar
• How to handle sick days
• Where to buy diabetes supplies and means of proper storage

You want to make sure that your regularly test your blood sugar levels, so that you can better monitor your diabetes. You will find that with regular monitoring, you'll start to notice when and how your blood sugar will fluctuate, which will allow you to better correct it.

Diet

You want to make sure that you consume a healthy diet. There are diabetic recipes that can help manage diabetes, as they ensure that your body is maintaining proper levels of sugars and nutrients. Basically, as a diabetic you have to be extra careful of what, when, and how much your eat. The carbohydrates will break down into sugars, which can raise your glucose levels, so monitoring when you need higher glucose levels, such as after exercising, you'll be able to better determine what you should eat.

Eating on a regular schedule will help control your blood glucose levels, so try to make it three meals and a few snacks throughout the day to best maintain your sugar levels. Also, keep in mind the size of what you eat; portion control is ideal for weight loss, as well as sugar spikes.

You want to mix up your carbs and proteins throughout the day, versus all at once.

Exercise

Exercising will not only help keep your weight at a manageable level, but it can also help vary your blood sugar levels. Plus, exercising can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and circulation, which are all concerns for diabetics.

It's ideal to exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes a day. You can easily achieve this while watching TV.

Weight Loss

To help control and maintain type 2 diabetes, weight loss is generally going to be a big help. Extra body weight can lead to insulin resistance, which is obviously not a good thing.  Even if you're able to lose 10 pounds, you will see a difference in yourself and your body.

Not everyone can control their diabetes without medication, so you always want to contact your doctor or a dietician to make sure that are at safe levels and are healthy.