We all know that healthy habits for Type 2 diabetes are important, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to make the right decisions… Eating healthy, exercise and weight loss (if necessary) are so important for people with diabetes – or those at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. But how do we actually do it? This article from Accu-Chek outlines a few simple ways.
Healthy habits for Type 2 diabetes
Adopting healthy habits for Type 2 diabetes as a family helps the people you care about stay healthy too. Family meals offer opportunities for modeling healthy eating habits for the whole family. Sharing a meal is a good way to bring people closer together.
How the body works
- When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks it down and turns it into a sugar called glucose.
- The glucose enters your body cells and gives you energy.
- Excess glucose will be converted to glycogen and stored in your liver and body cells when you need it.
- Eat healthy foods
Choose foods lower in fat and calories and higher in fibre. Focus on fruits, vegetable sand whole grains. Aim for variety and balanced meals to prevent boredom.
- Exercise, a little every day
Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. Take a brisk walk. Ride your bike. Swim laps. If you can’t fit in a long workout, break it up into smaller sessions spread throughout the day.
- Lose weight, if you need to
Prevent or delay diabetes by losing weight if needed. Even a 5 to 10% loss on your starting weight can make a difference to your health.
Visit www.accu-chek.co.za for more information.
What to read next?
Take your diabetes medication: All the medication tips you need to know to feel happy and healthy with diabetes.
Eat healthy for diabetes: The one article you need to read about what to eat with diabetes.
Exercise, a little every day: Your guide to exactly how to exercise with diabetes – including how to have fun!