A diabetes diagnosis will require a person to make numerous changes to their lifestyle and routines. However, devising and sticking to a good treatment plan can help someone maintain a sense of agency around their condition and high quality of life.
Living with diabetes requires a person to eat a healthy diet, remain active, manage their symptoms, and know the signs of diabetic health issues.
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects the body’s ability to convert glucose from food into energy, and it has three prominent types. Type 2 diabetes usually presents in adulthood and is the most common form, accounting for about 90% of all diabetes diagnoses. It causes insulin resistance, which means that the body’s insulin is not as effective at turning glucose into energy as it should be.
People with diabetes must develop strategies for managing their blood glucose, maintaining a moderate weight, and preventing complications like circulatory health problems and infections. Lifestyle changes, diabetes education, and medication can help a person living with diabetes achieve their best possible health outcomes and quality of life.
Read on to learn more about living with diabetes.
All forms of diabetes affect the body’s ability to convert glucose to energy using insulin. The three main types of diabetes include:
Because diabetes affects the body’s ability to metabolize glucose, high glycemic index foods are more likely to increase a person’s blood glucose and cause diabetes complications. This means they should reduce sweetened, processed foods and simple carbohydrates, such as white bread and white pasta, from their diet.
Instead, a person should focus on eating nutrient-dense foods. Some other strategies for a healthier diet include:
People with type 2 diabetes often carry excess weight or have obesity. This can increase their risk of diabetes complications, such as heart disease. Exercise may help a person achieve or maintain moderate body weight.
Exercise can also increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which can improve a person’s diabetes symptoms and support healthy blood glucose levels. Unless a doctor has specifically told a person not to exercise, almost everyone can benefit from exercise. More exercise generally offers more benefits.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. Some strategies for increasing a person’s activity levels include:
Because people with type 1 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, they need insulin treatment. A person may need to give themselves insulin injections or use an insulin pump.
People with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes may need insulin if they cannot control their blood glucose with lifestyle changes alone.
Several other medications may also help a person’s diabetes symptoms when insulin alone does not work. Some drug classes a doctor may recommend include:
A person might also need medication for diabetes-related complications. Some common drugs include:
It can take time to make the healthy changes that diabetes requires. A person should focus on making incremental changes that steadily improve their health. A routine may make these changes easier. Some strategies for building a healthy routine include:
Major life changes can affect a person’s routine, making it more difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For example, when a person is sick, they may be less able to exercise or make healthy meals.
When life changes disrupt a person’s routine, consider slowly reincorporating healthy habits one by one. Small changes matter and add up. Also, finding alternative ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle can be helpful.
For example, a person working long hours, who cannot exercise, can still eat healthy meals. They might also take frequent breaks to walk or stretch during audio calls.
Various physiological changes throughout of a person’s life may also affect their diabetes symptoms and management.
For instance, stress can influence a person’s blood glucose levels. Menopause may affect the body’s insulin secretion ability and sensitivity, too. However, hormone replacement therapy has positive effects on a person’s blood sugar levels. It is important to talk with a doctor about how major life changes may affect a person’s diabetes and ways to best reduce any negative effects.
A person with diabetes will need support to make necessary lifestyle changes. Moreover, insulin injections and regular medical appointments may feel stressful or overwhelming. Some strategies for finding the right support include:
Diabetes is a chronic illness that often gets worse with time, especially without effective treatment or healthy lifestyle changes.
Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development and progression of diabetes. Therefore, even with a healthy lifestyle, a person may require medication and ongoing medical support.
People with diabetes should find a doctor they like and trust to help them develop a comprehensive plan for living with diabetes.
Last medically reviewed on September 28, 2022
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Sep 29, 2022
By
Zawn Villines
Edited By
Harry Webster
Medically Reviewed By
Marina Basina, MD
Copy Edited By
Tabitha Thompson
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