Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). That may sound intimidating, but learning how to properly manage it in the early stages can help prevent complications and improve long-term health outcomes. So, this guide is here to help you with a combination of the most basic yet holistic approaches required to manage diabetes.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body is impaired in its ability to regulate and utilise sugar (glucose) as a source of energy. Insulin, a hormone which allows the glucose to enter the cells of the body to be metabolised for energy. The bloodstream fails to remove glucose from the blood when this process is not functioning properly.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Slow healing of wounds
- Blurred vision
- Unintended weight loss
Avoiding complications such as damage to the nerves, kidneys, and heart can be achieved through early detection and proper management.
Role of Medicines in Initial Management
In addition to lifestyle changes, physicians often prescribe medications to control blood sugar levels. Medications such as gluconorm sr 500 tablet (Sustained release), which is a gliclazide tablet, is used to enhance the production of insulin by the pancreas. It is generally used in initial cases when incorporation of diet and exercise does not fulfil to keep normal glucose levels.
Nevertheless, these pharmacotherapies need to be taken in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations and would not substitute life transforming adjustments, which is the basis of treatment in type 2 diabetes.
Basic Self-Care Strategies
It’s also important to develop habits for self-care on a daily basis. These include:
- Diet: Balanced and controlled carbs. Fill up on whole grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.
- Daily Testing: Testing your blood sugar levels regularly helps to monitor where you stand and to recognise any unexpected fluctuations.
- Physical activity: 30 or more minutes of moderate exercise most days (walking, biking, yoga).
- A weight loss of even 5–10% is enough to control blood sugar levels better.
- Stress reduction: Having to deal with stress is known to influence blood sugar. Engage in activities that take your mind out of the thinking aspect and into a place of calmness.
Dietary Practices and Remedies To Manage Diabetes
A well-balanced conventional Indian diet can help manage diabetes very effectively. Some suggestions include:
- Millets: Bajra, jowar, and ragi have high fibre and help control the sharp rise in blood sugar levels
- Add Spices: Fenugreek seeds, cinnamon and turmeric are shown to have effects on blood sugar regulation.
- Bitter gourd (karela) and neem leaf tea: Such herbal teas are believed to help in regulating (controlling) glucose levels.
- Portion Control: Smaller plates and bowls, and eating more slowly also lead to dishing up less and achieving above goal weight management.
These remedies are meant to complement, not substitute, medical expertise.
Yoga Poses to Manage Diabetes
Due to calming of the nervous system and insulin sensitivity, yoga can work for those with type 2 diabetes.
Recommended yoga poses:
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Activates the organs in the belly region.
- Bridge Pose: Helps balance hormones
- Pranayama: Helps with stress relief and improved oxygenation
Even 15–20 minutes of yoga is extremely useful in diabetes management, so do not skip it on a daily basis.
In cases where lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, medications may be modified or insulin therapy could be initiated, as recommended by a healthcare provider.
When to Seek Medical Advice
You can not ignore diabetes signs like
- Very high blood sugar levels
- Constant fatigue
- Foot numbness or tingling
- Vision problems
- Frequent infections
Early intervention is key. Stick to what the doctor has advised you and never, ever medicate without your doctor first knowing about it.
Takeaway
With early action and consistency, complications from type 2 diabetes can be avoided but a balanced approach is necessary. This combination of basic self-care, yoga, and diet provides a sustainable routine for long-term health.
If you are new to recovery, stick to your prescribed treatment plan from your doctor. If your doctor has prescribed you metformin tablets like okamet 500 tablet, please take it as prescribed along with a healthy lifestyle.
