Now Not Later: Eating Healthy and Staying Active

Most people know that the key to great health and longevity is eating healthy foods, staying physically active, keeping doctors appointments and having fun! Many know this, but many don’t follow this advice. So if you have just been informed that you have developed type 2 diabetes, this is your wake-up call; your time to really listen to your body telling you – now not later.

While it may be devastating to hear that you have type 2 diabetes, there are ways to manage this disease and make changes in your life that will allow you to still live your best life ever.

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from your body’s inability to produce enough or not manage insulin efficiently. If your body does not use up the glucose in the food you consume, it remains in your blood and can, if not taken care of, cause serious problems.

Managing diabetes ultimately becomes a way of life for folks and with new advances in medicines and adopting a healthy lifestyle folks are living long and active lives.

Eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans, while staying away from starchy foods, meats and dairy is just the beginning, but a diet, which you now have to be committed. Limiting or omitting fast food and foods that are high on the glycemic index (white bread, soda) are a must. Other things to avoid are caffeine, smoking and late night eating.

Losing weight is also very important. The folks who carry weight in their bellies are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Walking and moderate weight lifting several times per week will help to keep your blood sugar at a lower level.

Stress can also make it difficult to manage blood sugar levels. There are many ways to help manage stress, meditation is a great relaxation technique and once learned can be practiced anywhere and at any time. Listening to soothing music, receiving a massage or taking a class in yoga is always a way to help lessen the stress in your life.

Because there is no cure for type 2 diabetes it is all about managing diabetes and being aware of what you are eating, what activities you will be taking part in and planning accordingly. Be sure to take medications if they are prescribed and monitor your glucose levels if your physician thinks it is necessary.

Mindful living (being present and aware) is one of the best ways to manage diabetes. You have the ability to dramatically affect the levels of sugar in your blood and the quality of your life each day!