Did you know that diet and exercise can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes for 10 years? Additionally, lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) can cut the risk of diabetes by more than half. It has been proven to be the best way yet to prevent a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. What is more, if you have diabetes of any kind, diet and exercise are what are necessary to keep those blood sugar levels normal. So just what is involved with these lifestyle changes you might ask.
First of all, exercise, physical activity or just moving those large muscles of the legs and arms, preferably at a rate where you are breathing deeper but can still talk. This is the only way besides medication that we can get our cells to better accept that sugar in the blood. Physical activity helps to lower blood sugar levels much like many medications work. The important thing in choosing a physical activity is to choose something you like or can learn to enjoy doing within your physical ability. In order for physical activity to be a part of our lives we need to set realistic, measurable goals taking into consideration any physical limitations we may have.
Frequently Asked Questions QUESTION: What’s a normal blood sugar level after eating? I’m 18 years old, 5’4, 105 pounds…I randomly decided to do one of those at-home blood sugar tests tonight after I had dinner. It was 139. Is that normal for after eating a meal? My mom said she’d do the test again tomorrow before I’ve eaten anything. But before that, I was just curious if that seems high..thanks anyone who answers! ANSWER: yup it’s very normal after you have had your supper, anything below 140 after you have eaten within the past two hours is fine =) if you’re doing it in the morning.. given that you haven’t eaten anything within the past 8-10 hours (since you’re prolly sleeping before that :P) then it should range from around 70 to no more than 100. oh but every time before you prick your finger, make sure you have washed your hands with soap and water so things on your skin wouldn’t affect your results!! QUESTION: normal blood sugar level after eating and sleeping? I am wondering forchocolate? ANSWER: A little while, when your blood sugar is low your best off having a sugary drink. Sugars in liquids are absorbed into the blood stream alot faster then when they are in solids =) QUESTION: Should my blood sugar level drop after eating? I tested my fasting blood sugar when I got up. It was 93. After eating lunch and testing two hours later, it was 89. Is that considered normal? Thanks! ANSWER: Many diabetics and pre-diabetics deal with elevated fasting blood sugar. The reason is known as Dawn Phenomenon. In the early morning hours, your body produces certain hormones that cause your liver to release more glucose. There’s also a theory that these hormones make a diabetic more insulin resistant in the morning. A non-diabetic can offset this increase in glucose by producing enough insulin, but a person with an impaired pancreas often has trouble doing this. Sometimes eating can ‘shut off’ the liver. Many diabetics notice that their blood sugar levels get betterfasting glucose should be. This has led to terms such as ‘pre-diabetic’ and ‘borderline diabetic’. I do not use either of these terms. You either have diabetes or you do not although I do sometimes use the term ‘early’ diabetes. The reason for this is that by the time of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes there has been approximately 10 years of damage. Terms such as ‘pre’ or ‘borderline’ fail to appreciate the importance of this fact, the need for early diagnosis, followed by definitive care. What would I consider a normal fasting glucose? Up to 100 mg/dL or 5.6 mmol/L. Again – if your fasting glucose is above this – this by itself does not make a diagnosis of diabetes. A physician’s visit, history and physical examination, and additional laboratory chemistries would be required. If I may be of further assistance please let me know. I wish you the very best of health and may God bless. QUESTION: Normal blood sugar level for teen? I used someone’s blood sugar thing that pokes your finger and
