Improving patient outcomes by using 6 Tips For Managing Type 2 Diabetes is highly appreciated as research data shows that the prevalence of diabetes for all age-groups worldwide is expected to rise from 2.8% in 2000 to 4.4% in 2030. As the population is aging and the prevalence of obesity is increasing, the number of people with diabetes is increasing as well. In order to prevent complications and ensure good and efficient control of diabetes, it is essential to improve the glycemic control as the main factor in diabetic complications. Improving the existing and inventing new therapies as well as maintaining near-normal blood glucose levels can result in considerable reduction of the risk of developing retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. However, besides monitoring glycemic control the management strategies for type 2 diabetes are based on many other parameters such as dietary therapy, increased physical activity, patient’s adherence, etc. Typical examples that monitor many parameters at the same time are 11 best iPhone and Android apps for diabetes management which provide extensive support in diabetes management. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that there is not an ideal management plan and when it comes to type 2 diabetes, the management is a big deal. So, making some useful changes in lifestyle, daily activities, and food can help you avoid many diabetes-related complications. Here is the complete list of tips for managing type 2 diabetes based on their long-term effect, efficiency, and diabetes management recommendations.
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6. Lifestyle modifications
Lifestyle risk factors are now considered as the main contributors to morbidity and mortality in Europe. A variety of research reviews have shown that lifestyle change interventions can help managing type 2 diabetes and improve health outcomes. Some other research results demonstrated that a behavioral change focusing on diet, exercise, stress management, and social support provided multiple benefits on biological, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes after two years of implementation. It is recommended, therefore, for patients with type 2 diabetes to make various lifestyle improvements and use the combination of different behavior therapies in order to reach desired improvements and maintain a long-term glucose control.
5. Patient education
Due to the progressive nature of type 2 diabetes, patient education continues to be another important component of the overall treatment plan. Patient education would address equally blood glucose management and the psychosocial challenges of living with diabetes. Educating patients will also help with safe daily care, treatment options, and the benefits and costs of each of therapies. Among many benefits of the patient education, most of the authors agree that the following are some of the main positive effects of educating diabetes patients:
- Improving knowledge, health beliefs, and lifestyle changes.
- Improving patient outcomes – eg, weight, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid levels, smoking, and psychosocial changes such as quality of life and levels of depression.
- Improving levels of physical activity.
4. Improving adherence to therapy
One of the 6 tips for managing type 2 diabetes is the patients’ adherence to therapy. Studies suggest that people who suffer from diabetes face difficulties in managing their medication regimens and other self-management related factors. As a consequence, diabetic patients in most cases take less medication than required, including both OHA and insulin. Some results concluded that electronic monitoring systems were useful in improving adherence for individual patients. This monitoring system for insulin administration could inform healthcare providers of patient’s needs and offer better support.
3. Weight management
For overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes, reducing energy intake while maintaining a healthy eating pattern is recommended to promote weight loss. Weight management and dietary control can achieve a weight reduction which improves the glycemic control and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Evidence shows that even small changes in the weight loss (5–10%) contribute meaningfully to achieving improved glucose control. The types of foods highly recommended for weight management are vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, low-fat dairy products, and fresh fish.
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2. Physical activity
Lots of studies support findings that physical activity may be a therapeutic tool in a variety of patients suffering from diabetes. During physical activity, whole-body oxygen consumption may increase by as much as 20-fold, and even higher levels are expected in the working muscles.
The evidence shows that the epidemic of type 2 diabetes is strongly associated with decreasing levels of activity and an increasing prevalence of obesity. It is recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes to accumulate 30 min of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. However, the amount and intensity of exercises recommended depends on individuals and goals. Some results recommend at least 150 min/week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity and/or at least 90 min/week of vigorous aerobic exercise.
1. Nutrition therapy
Nutrition therapy has an integral role in diabetes management. This type of therapy is recommended for all patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes as an effective component of the overall treatment plan. It is recommended in several studies that diabetes patients should develop individualized eating plans in collaboration with their nutritionists. Careful selection of food types can have a direct effect on energy balance, body weight, lipid levels, and blood pressure. Together with other tips for managing type 2 diabetes, nutrition therapy (carbohydrate counting meal planning approach) is highly recommended for better improvements, glycemic control, and health.
