I was 30, when I was first diagnosed with Diabetes. I was extremely shocked and saddened when my doctor told me that I had Type II Diabetes. I felt hopeless and I went into what is termed as a 'Diabetic Depression'.
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I had to quit my job as it was very stressful, and with high sugar levels I wasn't able to continue such a job. However, with my family’s support I soon accepted it and became more aware about it. Being aware helped me deal well with the high sugar levels without even bothering much about it. Initially I took Metformin to cut down the
blood sugar levels.
But soon I realized that medicine alone was not sufficient to bring down my high blood sugar levels. I learned about
exercise and food for
diabetes type two. So I decided to change my lifestyle completely. I joined a health center and started doing exercises, and with the help of a dietician I started to follow a healthy diet plan. I was determined to fight diabetes.
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As a beginner, I was advised to do some normal aerobic exercises like walking, running, cycling, swimming, skipping, stretching etc. It helped me to burn down the calories in my body, which would reduce the sugar levels, and keep my body weight in control. Besides helping me to lower the sugar levels and lose body weight, exercising helped me to lower the risk of heart disease, a condition that is common in people who have diabetes.
Everyday I used to exercise at the same time for the same duration of 30-45 minutes. Exercising also reduced my high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure levels.
My diet plan consisted of food items rich in fibers like barley, pear, bean, blackberries, chick-peas etc, citrus fruits, prickly pear and dandelion greens, food items with cinnamon, cashew, ginger, garlic, bay leaf and turnips.
These items are low-carbohydrate and low-fat food items. Fiber-rich food reduces the intestinal absorption of glucose and the fruits help us to reduce the body weight. They are also beneficial in controlling cholesterol and improving lipid profiles.
I also cut down the consumption of sweets, candies, chocolates and sugar, besides completely avoiding meat. My day to day habits like smoking, caffeine intake and alcohol intake were strictly avoided as these habits would accelerate blood glucose levels.
Ever since I decided to fight diabetes, I tried to maintain a positive attitude towards my life. I always tried to be relaxed and I relieved stress by listening to soft music, reading books, practicing yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises.
And now after 6 years of following a
healthy lifestyle, my blood sugar levels are under control. I'm fit, healthy and happy as ever. I have a new job and a happy family. I know that
And I often advise my friends and acquaintances who are
diabetic patients, about the importance of managing and controlling diabetes and blood sugar to the normal level, to prevent unwanted complications associated with diabetes.
