Diabetes is a disease that can’t be treated with medication alone. A change in lifestyle is often required. Those living with type 1 diabetes rely heavily on insulin to maintain proper blood sugar levels. However diet and exercise can go a long way in helping diabetics live a normal life.
If you have type 1 diabetes, then your diet will play a significant role in how much insulin needs to be administered. Those living with type 2 diabetes must be more careful with their diet because it is believed that nearly 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.
Although some are able to manage their type 2 diabetes with a healthy diet and regular exercise, many require the medications that are either injectable or taken orally. Often times it’s a combination of diet, medication and exercise that is required for a healthy lifestyle for those with diabetes.
Whether you have diabetes or not, exercise is critical to a healthy lifestyle. Those that do have diabetes should exercise regularly to help lower blood glucose levels and improve the health of the heart. Exercise also aids in weight loss which is vital for those that are overweight suffering from type 2 diabetes.
At the Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic, our Certified Diabetes educators are educated and licensed healthcare professionals who possess distinct and specialized knowledge in diabetes self-management education. The credential demonstrates that they have mastered in depth knowledge and skills in the biological, social sciences, communication, counseling, and education to provide self-management education for those with, or at risk for diabetes.
If you would like to learn more about our approach to diabetes education or if you have questions about type 1 and type 2 diabetes, please contact us.