Three strategies for diabetes management may help improve the health of patients with type 2 diabetes
Much research has focused on reducing the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the U.S.
However, many scientists gear their studies toward methods of improving diabetes management for those who already have the disease in order to reduce their odds of experiencing complications.
A recent article published by USA Today highlighted three main strategies that may help individuals either lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes or improve the well-being of diagnosed diabetics.
Many physicians recommend that their patients who have type 2 diabetes lose weight in order to manage their symptoms. However, simply eating healthier - whether it reduces their body mass or not - may help people keep their blood sugar levels in check.
The newspaper said that eating a low-fat diabetic diet, as opposed to one with reduced amounts of carbohydrates, was found to be beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes in a study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama.
Participants who cut their fat intake down to comprise only 27 percent of their diet experienced higher levels of insulin secretion, as well as improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, the news provider reported.
People with type 2 diabetes who want to limit their fat intake may do so by eating only lean meats, abstaining from saturated fats in dairy products and oils, and increasing their consumption of leafy produce.
Although many individuals with type 2 diabetes are offered advice on exercise at the time of their diagnosis, seeking a personal trainer who can supervise aerobic and strength training may promote better diabetes management than general advice alone.
The news source cited a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which showed that diabetics who used personal trainers had lower blood sugar levels, on average, compared to those who exercised based on their physician's advice only.
The research also indicated that working out for longer periods of time was more beneficial than brief, intense bouts of activity for subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Although diabetes healthcare providers typically put an emphasis on physical activity, achieving enough sleep may also be key for diabetes management.
USA Today cited research published in the journal Diabetes Care, which showed that patients who experienced insomnia had 23 percent higher fasting blood glucose levels and 82 percent greater insulin resistance, compared to those who slept for the recommended number of hours per night.
The news provider offered several tips on how individuals with type 2 diabetes can get a better night's rest. These included using relaxation techniques like a warm bath or soothing music, and abstaining from caffeine and alcohol before bed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that people sleep for between six and eight hours each night.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes who do not get enough rest may be more likely than those with normal blood sugar levels to experience feelings of fatigue or be unable to engage in exercise.
However, many scientists gear their studies toward methods of improving diabetes management for those who already have the disease in order to reduce their odds of experiencing complications.
A recent article published by USA Today highlighted three main strategies that may help individuals either lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes or improve the well-being of diagnosed diabetics.
Many physicians recommend that their patients who have type 2 diabetes lose weight in order to manage their symptoms. However, simply eating healthier - whether it reduces their body mass or not - may help people keep their blood sugar levels in check.
The newspaper said that eating a low-fat diabetic diet, as opposed to one with reduced amounts of carbohydrates, was found to be beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes in a study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama.
Participants who cut their fat intake down to comprise only 27 percent of their diet experienced higher levels of insulin secretion, as well as improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, the news provider reported.
People with type 2 diabetes who want to limit their fat intake may do so by eating only lean meats, abstaining from saturated fats in dairy products and oils, and increasing their consumption of leafy produce.
Although many individuals with type 2 diabetes are offered advice on exercise at the time of their diagnosis, seeking a personal trainer who can supervise aerobic and strength training may promote better diabetes management than general advice alone.
The news source cited a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which showed that diabetics who used personal trainers had lower blood sugar levels, on average, compared to those who exercised based on their physician's advice only.
The research also indicated that working out for longer periods of time was more beneficial than brief, intense bouts of activity for subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Although diabetes healthcare providers typically put an emphasis on physical activity, achieving enough sleep may also be key for diabetes management.
USA Today cited research published in the journal Diabetes Care, which showed that patients who experienced insomnia had 23 percent higher fasting blood glucose levels and 82 percent greater insulin resistance, compared to those who slept for the recommended number of hours per night.
The news provider offered several tips on how individuals with type 2 diabetes can get a better night's rest. These included using relaxation techniques like a warm bath or soothing music, and abstaining from caffeine and alcohol before bed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that people sleep for between six and eight hours each night.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes who do not get enough rest may be more likely than those with normal blood sugar levels to experience feelings of fatigue or be unable to engage in exercise.
First published on: July 8, 2011
Related Resources
