There is little doubt that being diagnosed with diabetes impacts people’s life. One of the most significant consequences of diabetes is a lifestyle change. Although the prospect of this may seem scary, it does not have to be.

The truth is that the same lifestyle modifications required to properly control diabetes are equally beneficial for everyone to implement, especially as they age. Eating properly is an important lifestyle modification for diabetes treatment because it is likely the most significant lifestyle change associated with a diabetes diagnosis. Simply said, you should adopt a low-carbohydrate, whole-food, plant-based diet.

Whole foods are foods that have been minimally processed. They consist of grains (wholegrain rice, wheat, oats, and barley), beans, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Already, these foods are plant-based, which is significantly healthier because animal-based foods include saturated or bad fats, which raise cholesterol and put you at risk for numerous metabolic diseases, including heart disease. It is best to consult with a dietitian to change your diet to more accessible and healthier options.

Another way to modify your lifestyle is to limit your alcohol usage. Alcohol consumption may have a negative impact on blood glucose levels because it interferes with the liver’s ability to regulate stored glucose levels. It also interacts with diabetes drugs, increases the risk of high cholesterol, and can cause hypoglycemia. Alcohol use may exacerbate diabetes problems, notably in the nerves, kidneys, and eyes.

The risks of smoking much outweigh the advantages, and in addition to being one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes, smoking can make diabetes management more difficult. Smoking raises the risk of diabetic complications by around 40%, exacerbating vascular issues, insulin resistance, and cell damage.

“Sitting is the new smoking.” “We’re sitting ourselves to death.” This statement, delivered by Dr. James Levine, Director of the Mayo Clinic in an interview, made major rounds in the media and benefitted many individuals. According to research, increasing physical exercise can help prevent several chronic diseases. A sedentary lifestyle, as expected, is strongly discouraged when living with diabetes, particularly Type 2.

Increased physical activity can take the shape of aerobic workouts (running, walking, swimming, cycling, etc.). If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor may prescribe that you reduce weight and engage in workouts that are appropriate for your metabolic needs and daily routine.

The value of getting adequate sleep goes without saying. Getting adequate sleep is vital for maintaining a healthy body and mind, and this is especially true for diabetics. Lack of sleep can increase insulin resistance, influence eating habits, and make it more difficult.

Although it has been proposed that having diabetes makes you less likely to obtain adequate sleep at night, intentionally deciding to get enough sleep may counteract these effects. Some sleep hygiene advice include setting aside time for sleep, keeping all work activities and devices out of the bedroom, and developing a nighttime ritual that mentally prepares you for sleep. If these do not work, please contact your doctor.

Being diagnosed with diabetes means embarking on a lifelong journey of self-management. You must continually monitor your weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels, sleep patterns, and even food item labels.

You would also need to see your doctor on a regular basis and keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms that could indicate a diabetes complication. For most people, this is a daunting chore, but it is a necessary lifestyle modification that keeps you focused on your health.

Social connection is critical to overall health, especially when dealing with diabetes. The lifestyle changes you must make may be unexpected, and the best way to handle them is with solid emotional support from a healthy network of family, friends, and communities.

Friends and family assist you in managing the physical, financial, and emotional burdens of diabetes, and belonging to a community, such as a diabetes community, connects you with people who also have diabetes, providing you with ongoing education on how to manage it and an avenue to share or learn from the stories of others who have diabetes.