Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the risk of high blood sugar levels is higher than normal. Blood sugar – the most important type of sugar you get from food – nourishes the body, but high levels can damage the body. If you have type 2 diabetes, the most important regulatory force – insulin – is affected, leading to high blood sugar levels.
After a formal diagnosis, you are advised to make healthy lifestyle changes to stabilize your blood sugar levels.
There are two key components to controlling blood sugar – diet and exercise.
There is nothing you can not eat if you have type 2 diabetes, but you should limit certain foods.
Certain carbohydrate foods are quickly broken down by your body and therefore affect your blood sugar level.
These include:
- Some fruits and vegetables
- Pulse beat
- Whole grain foods, such as porridge oats.
In addition to improving your diet, you should aim for 2.5 hours of activity per week, the NHS advises.
Physical exercise helps to lower your blood sugar level.
You can be active anywhere, as long as you are out of breath.
It can be:
- Quick step
- Stair climb
- Do more strenuous homework or gardening.