Ever wonder what a day in the life living with Type 2 Diabetes looks like? From morning routines to meal prep, find out about navigating everyday life with this condition in our latest blog post! From Damndiabetes.ca
Introduction
Living with Type 2 diabetes is a challenging journey. It is filled with ups and downs, but it is also a journey of resilience, learning, and empowerment. This blog delves into my typical day finding a better quality of life living with type 2 diabetes.
In this blog, I explore various aspects of diabetes, from my morning routine to meal choices, exercise, medication management, and more. By sharing these insights, I hope to offer support, understanding, and inspiration to you while navigating your own diabetes journey.
Morning Rituals
The start of my day begins with taking my blood sugar reading. I now know my start-of-my-day reading should fall into the 6.2 (112) range. With that baseline, I can mentally plan my day considering food and activity. My daily goal is to maintain my blood sugar as flat-lined as possible, all that is possible depending upon what I eat, drink and be merry with my activity.
For those taking medication, please follow your healthcare specialist’s instructions and before making any changes to your routine, please also discuss those with your healthcare specialist.
Breakfast Choices
Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day, and for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, it takes on added significance. An optimal breakfast includes deciding what to eat from my list of foods, including my sunflower seed bread, eggs with 50% of the yolks removed (to cut down on cholesterol), non-processed meat and a salad. I sometimes go all out and make pancakes with flour made from sunflowers.
Breakfast does not have to be boring or greatly impact your blood sugar levels.
Managing Throughout the Day
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is an ongoing priority as the day progresses. Much of it comes down to what I eat and do for daily activities. This involves planning and preparing low-carb meals and snacks, incorporating regular activity into my daily routines, staying hydrated, and being mindful of stress levels and their impact on blood sugar management. Also important is remembering to test blood sugar levels, which I now do before, immediately after, and two hours after my meals.
Mealtime Strategies
What I eat determines my success at maintaining my blood sugar level where I want it.
I do not worry about portion control, carbohydrate counting, glycemic index considerations, and all the complicated stuff that drives me nuts. I took it upon myself to understand what impact different foods have on my body, and I am now pretty good at eating foods that I do not have to worry about my blood sugar spiking.
My food groups are high in protein, low in carbohydrates, non-processed, low in refined sugars, and high in fibre. I can eat small portions of food outside of these groups, but I also know that I have to plan some activity, such as an after-meal walk, to keep my blood sugar in check.
It all comes down to keeping my blood sugar in check to maintain a quality of life with diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, you can have success with this, too. All it takes is making the choice to do it, and you will experience a better quality of life. What could be better than that?
Snack Options
I find the issue of snacks the most challenging. People suggest eating fresh fruit, raw vegetables, nuts and seeds, or Greek yogurt. These are not very exciting to me, so I have decided not to think about snacks during the day. I eat sufficient meal sizes that can carry me through the day.
At night, I may eat sunflower bread with a low-sugar spread or a portion of popcorn without butter. If I want to go all out, I may have a slice of homemade cheesecake, which is not only low in sugar but fun to make. There are other foods that I can eat, too. It all comes down to experimenting and testing to know the impact.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise is a cornerstone of diabetes management, offering numerous benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, weight management, and cardiovascular health. Finding enjoyable activities that fit individual preferences and abilities is essential for establishing a sustainable exercise routine. Whether it's walking, swimming, cycling or other activity, incorporating regular activity most days of the week can make a significant difference in overall well-being.
Evening Wind Down
As the day draws to a close, winding down and prioritizing relaxation are important for promoting restful sleep and supporting overall health. For me, it could be reading a book or watching a movie. What you do to wind down is up to you, but adequate sleep is crucial for hormone regulation and glucose metabolism, making it a critical part of diabetes self-care.
Conclusion
Living with Type 2 diabetes presents unique challenges, but with knowledge, support, and proactive self-management, it is possible to lead a better quality of life living with diabetes. By embracing healthy habits, making informed choices, and staying connected to healthcare professionals, you can navigate Type 2 diabetes with confidence and resilience.
If you have any questions or want help achieving a better quality of life with diabetes, please visit our website and give us a shout.
Best wishes from us all ...
Vancouver, Canada
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