Maintaining your ideal weight is vital in controlling diabetes. Studies show that when it comes to losing extra weight, every little bit counts and every kilo you lose could mean a significant improvement in health. Towards this end you should focus on making permanent and improved changes to your exercise and eating habits.
Make smart food choices
Choosing the right foods can help you control your weight as well as your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Reduce your calorie intake and avoid fats, especially saturated fats. Increase your intake of foods that are high in fiber such as fresh fruits, seeds, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber rich foods play a great role in reducing the risk of diabetes. These foods enhance blood sugar control and help you lose weight as well.
Controlling your intake of carbohydrates is essential is maintaining your blood sugar level. Eat complex carbohydrates including potatoes and whole wheat or multi grain breads, pasta and cereal, while avoiding foods that are full of empty calories and refined sugar such as cookies, cakes, pretzels and white bread. The amount of carbohydrates and fat each person requires depends on the individual's activity level and calorific needs.
Get moving
Regular exercise is a panacea for all medical conditions. Exercise for at least 30 minutes everyday to get your heart pumping and to keep diabetes under control. Physical activity in any form helps you lose weight, enhances the efficiency of insulin and lowers your blood sugar level along with a long list of health benefits. If long boring work-outs are not your thing, engage yourself in some fun activity. Take the dog for a long walk or a run in the park. Go cycling with the kids or swim a few laps everyday. Play beach volleyball, go skiing.
Have a physical check-up and get your doctor's advice before starting any exercise program. Take it slow and easy in the beginning and increase the intensity and duration gradually to prevent any injuries. Checking your blood sugar level prior to exercising and after you've finished will help you determine the reaction of different activities on our blood sugar levels and thus aid in avoiding the incidence of low blood sugar.
