Managing type 2 diabetes in 5 ways

If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there are lots of ways you can slow its progression and manage the risk of future complications. Lifestyle changes like getting active and eating more healthily can make a significant difference.

Here are some tips to help you manage your condition.

1. Embracing exercise with diabetes

Exercise is one of the best ways to control your blood glucose levels, keep your heart healthy, and improve your overall health and wellbeing. Aim for 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate activity or 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous activity every week. If you are new to exercise, consult your GP before you start and make sure to take it slowly at first and build up your fitness over time. 

One good way to increase your activity is to set short-term goals. As you achieve each goal, you can make the next one a little harder. Take a few minutes each week to note down what you’re doing in a diary or smart phone app to track your progress.

If you’re overweight, losing 5-10% of your bodyweight can make a real difference to how well you manage your blood glucose levels. It can also improve your blood pressure and cholesterol. Talk to your GP for help.

Medibank’s Live Better activities has some fun and free ideas for keeping your body active, both at home and outdoors.

2. Find foods that people with diabetes can eat freely

Aim to eat a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, as well as reduced-fat dairy and proteins such as lean meat, eggs, tofu, nuts, seeds, legumes and beans. The Australian Dietary Guidelines are a great place to start, and your GP can refer you to a dietitian to help you develop a nutrition plan for your specific needs.

Processed food and drinks tend to have lots of added sugar or salt – you don’t have to cut them out completely but keep them as an occasional treat. Try stocking your freezer with healthy meals you can prepare quickly. When it comes to drinking, keep your alcohol intake to less than 10 standard drinks per week, and no more than 4 standard drinks in one day.

Timing is also important: space your meals at regular intervals through the day. This will help keep your blood glucose levels at a consistent level so that you don’t experience symptoms that occur when they dip or spike.

3. Get support to quit smoking

Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease, and smoking increases this risk even more. If you smoke, contact Quitline or talk to your GP.

4. Create a diabetes management plan

Your GP is the best place to start to get support managing your diabetes. There’s also good evidence to show that support from a dietitian or diabetes educator can help with weight loss and overall quality of life, and reduce the risk of complications. Talk to your GP or get in touch with Diabetes Australia for a referral.

If you’re an eligible Medibank hospital member^*, you may also be able to access the Medibank Type 2 Diabetes Program. The program includes up to 10 video consultations with an accredited practicing dietitian to help with weight loss and diabetes management.

5. Monitor your blood glucose levels 

One of the most important parts of type 2 diabetes management is keeping your blood glucose (sugar) levels within a certain range. Regular blood glucose level monitoring can help you see the effects of things like food and exercise, and help you to manage your levels, too. Speak to your GP to learn more.