reducing your risk
Diet
Eating nutritious meals and snacks should be the foundation of your health care plan.
- Aim to eat three regular meals a day, spaced no more than six hours apart (this will help your body control blood sugar levels)
- Carbohydrates, sugars and fibre, and salt intake should all be taken into account when planning meals and portion sizes.
Exercise
Physical activity is an important part of managing type 2 diabetes.
- Exercise has many benefits, including better physical fitness, improved glycemic control, decreased insulin resistance, lower blood pressure and weight loss
- Experts recommend at least:
- 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week, which can be broken down to at least 10 minutes at a time
AND - Resistance exercise at least twice a week
- 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week, which can be broken down to at least 10 minutes at a time
- It’s proven that being physically active can improve your heart health.
Foot Care
People with diabetes are at risk of developing a variety of foot problems.
- This is the result of nerve damage in the feet, also called neuropathy, which can decrease feeling in legs
- Neuropathy makes it harder to feel a cut, blister or other injury. By the time you notice, you may already have an infection. Serious infections could lead to amputation
- Starting and maintaining a daily footcare routine is the best way to ensure your feet stay healthy.
