Living with Diabetes: The Sweet Life (Minus the Sugar)

Diabetes. It’s a word that often comes with a heavy sigh or a concerned look, but living with diabetes doesn’t have to feel like a constant battle. Whether you’ve

just been diagnosed with Type 2, or you’ve been living with Type 1 for years, the key to

managing it is learning how to manage the condition effectively and adjust your lifestyle in

ways that work for you. In this blog post, we’ll go into the basics of living with

diabetes, offering some practical tips to make daily life easier, healthier, and more

manageable.

What exactly is Diabetes?

Type 1 vs Type 2:

- Type 1 Diabetes: In Type 1, your body doesn’t produce insulin, a hormone that

helps regulate blood sugar. This means you need to take insulin every day,

usually through injections or an insulin pump. Type 1 is often diagnosed in

childhood or early adulthood, though it can happen at any age.

- Type 2 Diabetes: This is the more common type and occurs when your body

doesn’t respond properly to insulin or doesn’t make enough of it. Type 2 is often

linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, inactivity, and obesity, but genetics

also play a role. Managing Type 2 can sometimes involve medication, lifestyle

changes, and, in some cases, insulin therapy.

Managing Diabetes- Practical Tips for a Healthier Life

Managing diabetes might seem overwhelming at first, but once you know what works for

your body, it becomes part of your daily routine. The trick is to focus on a few simple

habits that can make a world of difference.

1. Food Choices

a. Eat high fiber foods like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes which

keep your blood sugar stable and are packed with nutrients.

b. Instead of eating processed sugary snacks and treats, opt for whole fruits

and natural sweeteners

c. Follow the 80/20 rule! You don’t have to completely cut out your favorite

comfort foods, just make sure you eat healthy foods 80% of the time and

enjoy treats in moderation for the other 20%, balancing diabetes

management with enjoyment.

2. Move Your Body

a. Aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week of any kind of

movement: walking, yoga, dancing, etc.

b. Switch it up! While cardio exercises help with overall blood sugar control,

strength training can also help build muscle, which improves insulin

sensitivity.

3. Know Your Numbers

a. Use a glucose meter and check blood sugar levels regularly

b. Keep a log of these values to help you spot patterns and make

adjustments to your diet, medication, or exercise.

4. Hydration is Key

a. Water is the best option to keep your body hydrated

b. Avoid sugary drinks like soda or sweetened teas, as they can cause a

spike in blood sugar.

c. A simple trick to stay hydrated throughout the day is to keep a bottle on

hand at all times (No excuses!)

5. Manage Stress

a. It is easier said than done but get enough sleep! Poor sleep can interfere

with blood sugar control, so aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

b. Activities like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress

and improve overall well-being.

6. Stay connected with your provider

a. Don’t skip your regular check-ups and ask questions if you don’t

understand something, your doctor is there to guide you through this

journey.

Living with diabetes doesn’t mean your life has to be all about restrictions. In fact, it can

be a path to feeling more connected to your body, making better choices, and learning

to love yourself in a whole new way. By focusing on small, positive changes such as

eating well, staying active, managing stress, and staying informed, you’re well on your

way to not just managing diabetes, but thriving with it. For more information, tips, and

tricks, check out some links I have attached at the bottom. Embrace the sweet life, just

minus the sugar.

Helpful links:

American Diabetes Association – Nutrition- https://diabetes.org/food-

nutrition/eating-healthy

CDC- Managing Diabetes- https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/living-with/index.html

Mayo Clinic- Diabetes Diet- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-

conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295

NIDDK - Stress and Diabetes- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-

information/professionals/diabetes-discoveries-practice/helping-patients-with-diabetes-

manage-stress