People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes often find their a1c levels rising over time, even when diet and lifestyle are unchanged. Newly diagnosed diabetics are often unaware that Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease - the body's ability to produce insulin declines as time passes. To bring an a1c level back to a preferred range, review diet, method of treatment, and exercise program.
The first place to look for possible changes is the amount and timing of carbohydrates consumed. Review your diet and the frequency of meals and snacks. Working with a nutritionist, you can determine where changes should occur. Remember, quantity of carbohydrates is only one piece of the puzzle. Take a look at the types of carbohydrates as well. If you love ice cream, perhaps you should trade your favorite flavor for a piece of fruit.
Should the diet have the proper carbohydrates, look at your treatment program. High glucose levels also result from the body's overproduction of its own glucose. For example, many people find a blood sugar reading higher than expected when they get out of bed in the morning. This can result when the body is producing glucose. If your treatment is diet only, you may need to add a diabetic medication. If you are on one diabetic medication, perhaps adding additional variety will be helpful. People injecting insulin may need to adjust the quantity and timing of their insulin intake or change the type of insulin. A doctor can help with each of the needed changes.
Regular exercise helps control blood sugar levels and increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Exercise also burns excess calories and fat to help achieve optimal weight and avoid high blood pressure. In reviewing the exercise program, consider a variety of types: aerobic, strength training and stretching. An aerobic workout could involve walking briskly, dancing, swimming, playing tennis, riding a stationary bike, or taking an aerobics class. For strength training, weights or exercise bands are helpful. Diabetics need to be careful moving into heavy weight routines. Stretching and yoga routines help you stay flexible. Experiment and find activities you enjoy. Be aware that the level of physical activity can lower blood sugar too much, making you feel shaky or faint. Plan ahead.
With time, a type 2 diabetic may see a rise in the a1c levels. When this occurs, the appropriate course of action is to work with professionals in reviewing the diet, method of treatment, and exercise program. For additional information, check out http://lifeasadiabetic.com
By Lane Anderson
The first place to look for possible changes is the amount and timing of carbohydrates consumed. Review your diet and the frequency of meals and snacks. Working with a nutritionist, you can determine where changes should occur. Remember, quantity of carbohydrates is only one piece of the puzzle. Take a look at the types of carbohydrates as well. If you love ice cream, perhaps you should trade your favorite flavor for a piece of fruit.
Should the diet have the proper carbohydrates, look at your treatment program. High glucose levels also result from the body's overproduction of its own glucose. For example, many people find a blood sugar reading higher than expected when they get out of bed in the morning. This can result when the body is producing glucose. If your treatment is diet only, you may need to add a diabetic medication. If you are on one diabetic medication, perhaps adding additional variety will be helpful. People injecting insulin may need to adjust the quantity and timing of their insulin intake or change the type of insulin. A doctor can help with each of the needed changes.
Regular exercise helps control blood sugar levels and increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Exercise also burns excess calories and fat to help achieve optimal weight and avoid high blood pressure. In reviewing the exercise program, consider a variety of types: aerobic, strength training and stretching. An aerobic workout could involve walking briskly, dancing, swimming, playing tennis, riding a stationary bike, or taking an aerobics class. For strength training, weights or exercise bands are helpful. Diabetics need to be careful moving into heavy weight routines. Stretching and yoga routines help you stay flexible. Experiment and find activities you enjoy. Be aware that the level of physical activity can lower blood sugar too much, making you feel shaky or faint. Plan ahead.
With time, a type 2 diabetic may see a rise in the a1c levels. When this occurs, the appropriate course of action is to work with professionals in reviewing the diet, method of treatment, and exercise program. For additional information, check out http://lifeasadiabetic.com
By Lane Anderson
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