Can Diet and Lifestyle Changes Help Manage Diabetes Symptoms?

India is grappling with a severe diabetes crisis, with 21.4% of men and 23.7% of women affected, marking a 10-12% increase since 1980. With 212 million cases, India accounts for 26% of global diabetes cases, but only 27.8% of affected women and 29.3% of affected men receive treatment. Effective management through lifestyle changes and dietary modifications is critical to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
This blog explores how simple yet impactful changes can help manage diabetes.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by high glucose levels (sugar) in the blood, resulting from the body's inability to create or effectively utilise insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows blood sugar levels to enter the body and be used as energy. If insulin is not produced or properly used, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, elevating blood sugar levels.

Types of Diabetes

The most common types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 Diabetes - This happens when the immune system attacks and eliminates insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Type 2 Diabetes - Characterised by insulin resistance (the body's inability to use insulin effectively) and inadequate insulin secretion.
• Gestational Diabetes - This develops during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester, due to hormonal changes and insulin resistance. It resolves after childbirth.

Causes of Diabetes

The following factors or conditions can increase your blood glucose levels:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Genetic mutations
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Insulin resistance
• Pancreatic damage (from surgery or injury)

Symptoms of Diabetes

Common signs of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Sudden weight loss
• Slow-healing wounds
• Frequent vaginal yeast or skin infections
• Blurred vision
• Tingling or numbness in your feet or hands
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue

Why Are Diet and Lifestyle Changes Crucial for Managing Diabetes?

Diet and lifestyle changes significantly impact blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, weight management, and overall health. This is evident in a study conducted at Delhi Diabetes Research Center, involving 224 type 2 diabetes patients. Participants received lifestyle modification counselling, with assessments at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months. Lifestyle modification counselling showed remarkable improvement in fasting Blood Sugar (175.5 ± 32.3 to 144.7 ± 17.6 mg/dL) and blood sugar after a meal (275.5 ± 61 to 199.0 ± 48.3 mg/dL).

Essential Dietary and Lifestyle Tips for Diabetes Management

Taking proactive steps with your diet and lifestyle can make a substantial difference in effective diabetes management. Here’s how you can get started:

Dietary Tips

Your diet directly affects your blood sugar, so make sure to follow a proper diet that includes:

• Balanced meals include lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
• Low glycaemic index (GI) foods, such as kidney beans, fruits, vegetables, and lentils.
• Regular, moderate-sized meals.
• 8 glasses of water a day.
• No sugary drinks, such as soda, juice, and sweetened teas.

Lifestyle Tips

Adopt these lifestyle changes to manage your diabetes effectively:

• Aim for 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise.
• Practicing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can relieve stress.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule (7-8 hours/night).
• Quit smoking to lessen your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
• Restrict alcohol intake to moderate levels (1-2 drinks/day).

Long-Term Benefits of Consistent Changes

Maintaining healthy lifestyle and diet modifications can have profound effects on diabetes management, leading to:

• Stabilised Blood Sugar Levels - Consistent healthy habits help regulate blood glucose, reducing fluctuations.
• Reduced Medication Dependence - Lifestyle changes can minimise or eliminate medication needs.
• Improved Insulin Sensitivity - Diabetes diet and exercises increase insulin responsiveness, optimising glucose uptake.
• Better Weight Management - Sustainable habits promote healthy weight, reducing insulin resistance.
• Low Risk of Complications - Well-managed diabetes decreases the risk of nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease.

Final Thoughts

By embracing lifestyle and diet changes, diabetes patients can significantly improve blood sugar control, reduce medication dependence, and lower the risk of long-term complications. While self-practice is good, seeking professional guidance is essential to ensure personalised care and support.

Get Customised Treatment and Advice on Diabetes Management at Ashraya Hospital, Pune

Are you struggling to manage diabetes? Worry Not! Ashraya Hospital, Pune is here to provide you with all the necessary treatment and assistance to manage your diabetes. We don’t stop with providing treatments but also monitor progress and adjust habits as needed. Schedule an appointment today to live a healthier, diabetes-free life.