Act now for diabetes
Diabetes doesn’t have to control you.
Act now to take the first step.
#Actnowfordiabetes
Taking back control
No one knows your body better than you. A diabetes diagnosis can take anyone by surprise, but you’re still in charge of how you handle it. Diabetes can feel overwhelming. But you're not alone. Your healthcare professional knows how hard it can be and will have advice and solutions to help you get through it. Although it can feel like an uphill battle at first, every little step can be a big deal when you're first diagnosed. This page has a few tips to help you get going.
“Start each day doing the best you can. Be patient and learn as much as you can about how to take care of yourself.”
Understanding the numbers
Keeping blood sugar levels under control is the big goal in type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar levels are measured using an HbA1c test. This tells you the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood over a 2-3 month time period. For most adults with type 2 diabetes, the recommended HbA1c target is under 7%, but your healthcare team will give you your personal target to work towards. Keeping your HbA1c level under 7% can help reduce the risk of long-term problems associated with diabetes, like heart disease and vision problems. Find out more about these problems below.
Monitoring your HbA1c levels helps you stay in control of your diabetes
Staying one step ahead
Diabetes can cause problems over time if it’s not controlled. But you can stay ahead of these potential issues by controlling your blood sugar levels. Too much sugar in your blood can lead to problems with the heart and blood vessels, as well as other areas of your body.
- Brain
- High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of stroke.
- Diabetes is linked to an increased risk of dementia and other cognitive issues.
- Eyes
- Damage to the blood vessels in the retina can lead to vision loss.
- Elevated blood sugar can lead to increased eye pressure, damaging the optic nerve and leading to glaucoma.
- Kidneys
- Diabetes can damage the kidneys filtering system so they don’t remove toxins from the body as well as they should.
- Diabetes can damage the kidneys filtering system so they don’t remove toxins from the body as well as they should.
- Sex organs
- Men with diabetes may experience erectile dysfunction.
- Women may experience a decrease in lubrication and sensation or pain during sex.
- Nerves
- Nerve damage can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which is pain, tingling or loss of feeling—usually starting in the hands, legs and feet.
- Nerve damage can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which is pain, tingling or loss of feeling—usually starting in the hands, legs and feet.
- Feet
- Poor circulation and nerve damage can cause ulcers and infections which are slow to heal. If not treated for a long period of time, this can result in amputation.
“Take it one step at a time. If you have a set-back you just have to keep going forward. Pay attention to your body. If you see that something’s happening, go to your doctor. ”
3 steps to stay in control
STEP 1: Embrace lifestyle changes
Regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming can help reduce or maintain blood sugar levels. These types of lifestyle habits also help with weight management. Reducing stress through mindfulness, getting enough sleep and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also important lifestyle changes that help control type 2 diabetes.
STEP 2: Adopt a healthy diet
Everyone wants to enjoy the food they eat. And this doesn’t have to change with type 2 diabetes. We just have to be aware of what we’re eating and the balance needed to keep sugar levels under control. Eating well and having healthy portions can help with weight and reduce the risks of developing diabetes complications. Food is our body’s fuel and gives us the energy we need to live well. This means eating balanced meals with whole grains, lean proteins and vegetables to keep glucose levels healthy and steady.
STEP 3: Take your medication
Life is busy, so taking regular medication for type 2 diabetes isn’t always easy. But taking your medication regularly will help keep your blood sugar under control and keep diabetes in check. It can help to set daily reminders, use pill organizers and make medication a part of your normal daily routine. Your healthcare team will also help you keep track of your blood sugar levels and adjust doses if necessary.
“You can’t sit around waiting for something to happen, you have to change your routine and take control. As long as you keep going, it’ll be worth it!”
You can't really understand diabetes until you've lived it. And that's why support from other people with the condition can help. You can share experiences, advice and support one another when times get a bit tough. Your local diabetes patient group is a great place to start.
