Studies suggest that one out of every three adults have prediabetes. In fact, 29.1 million people in the United States alone suffer from Type 2 diabetes. Another 8 million may have it, but just don’t know yet.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you may think you’re in for a lifetime of blood sugar checks and insulin shots. But, as it turns out, there are natural ways you can manage your diabetes.
Before you begin any lifestyle changes, check with your doctor. He/she can tell you if those changes are safe to make. Then, read on for the best ways to control your diabetes – naturally!
Eat more fibre.
It may sound like a very simple solution, but fibre can actually help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Fibre is a carb, but it’s not digested by the body in the same way that carbohydrates are.
Breads and other carbs are turned to sugar in your body, whereas fibre won’t raise your blood sugar at all. You’ll have more energy without the sugary carbs, and the added benefit of eliminating waste from your body!
Exercise more.
Your doctor has probably already told you that exercise is going to help control your diabetes naturally. But why? Is it just the weight loss aspect?
No. While losing weight is one of the easiest ways to get your Type 2 diabetes under control, exercise has another benefit to you if you’re diabetic. Simply put, it makes you more insulin-sensitive. That means that your body is better able to use the insulin in your bloodstream.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Did you know that diabetics don’t always sleep very well? And what’s more, a lack of sleep can actually lead to a pre-diabetic state.
Good sleep is very important, and especially so for diabetics. Try to get to bed at a reasonable time and set your alarm in the morning.
If you have trouble sleeping, try a supplement like Calm+Sleep to help relax you and catch some Zs.
Get a massage.
Or read a book. Or take a bubble bath. Studies indicate that diabetics who are under stress are more likely to have high blood sugar.
Take a look at your life and determine your causes of stress. If those sources can’t be eliminated, you can, at the very least, take steps to reduce the amount of time you’re exposed to them.
Stress relief, in combination with healthy lifestyle changes, can help to control your diabetes naturally. Take a multivitamin, go play outside and eat a healthy diet.
Type 2 diabetes isn’t a life sentence. It’s completely manageable, naturally!
