Healthy habits for Type 2 diabetes: small changes can make a big difference

We all know that healthy habits for Type 2 diabetes are important, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to make the right decisions… Eating healthy, exercise and weight loss (if necessary) are so important for people with diabetes – or those at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. But how do we actually do it? This article from Accu-Chek outlines a few simple ways.

Healthy habits for Type 2 diabetes

Adopting healthy habits for Type 2 diabetes as a family helps the people you care about stay healthy too. Family meals offer opportunities for modeling healthy eating habits for the whole family. Sharing a meal is a good way to bring people closer together.

Did you know? 80% of cases of Type 2 diabetes can be delayed and even prevented through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

Accu-Chek South Africa

How the body works

• When you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks it down and turns it into a sugar called glucose.
• The glucose enters your body cells and gives you energy.
• Excess glucose will be converted to glycogen and stored in your liver and body cells when you need it.

Action Plan

1. Eat healthy foods
   Choose foods lower in fat and calories and higher in fibre. Focus on fruits, vegetable sand whole grains. Aim for variety and balanced meals to prevent boredom.
2. Exercise, a little every day
   Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. Take a brisk walk. Ride your bike. Swim laps. If you can’t fit in a long workout, break it up into smaller sessions spread throughout the day.
3. Lose weight, if you need to
   Prevent or delay diabetes by losing weight if needed. Even a 5 to 10% loss on your starting weight can make a difference to your health.

Visit www.accu-chek.co.za for more information.

What to read next?

Take your diabetes medication: All the medication tips you need to know to feel happy and healthy with diabetes.

Eat healthy for diabetes: The one article you need to read about what to eat with diabetes.

Exercise, a little every day: Your guide to exactly how to exercise with diabetes – including how to have fun!