If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or have been informed that you are at risk of developing it (prediabetes), making changes to your lifestyle can aid in reducing your blood sugar levels, managing diabetes, and potentially avoiding the need for medication.
Adopting lifestyle modifications can normalize blood sugar levels and prevent the progression of diabetes.
Methods to implement these changes include:
- Consuming a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes such as chickpeas and lentils
- Gradually enhancing your diet by making small adjustments on a weekly basis
- Engaging in physical activity for a minimum of 2.5 hours each week
- Losing excess weight if you are overweight
- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption
- Scheduling regular dental check-ups
- Avoiding processed foods containing high levels of salt and sugar
Specialized care is provided to children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes courses
Individuals with type 2 diabetes are advised to partake in diabetes courses to effectively manage their condition.
These courses, offered free of charge, are accessible within a year of diagnosis, with online options also available.
NHS services to help change your lifestyle
If you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, you may be eligible for the NHS program aimed at supporting individuals in managing their condition.
Consult your healthcare provider for details regarding the NHS program.
Find out more
Medicine for type 2 diabetes
If medication is required, metformin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
In cases where metformin alone is insufficient, additional medication or insulin may be necessary to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.
Some instances of type 2 diabetes may necessitate the use of insulin.
Precise dosage is crucial for managing blood sugar levels and preventing complications.
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- If you experience vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever while taking diabetes medication
Appointments and tests
Regular check-ups are essential to ensure the effectiveness and proper management of diabetes treatment.
- Consistent monitoring of blood sugar levels, foot health, weight, BMI, cholesterol, blood pressure, and kidney function
Diabetic eye screening is provided to those with a diabetes diagnosis.
Other changes you may need to make
Additional lifestyle adjustments may be necessary for effective management of type 2 diabetes.
- Wearing a medical ID bracelet in case of emergencies
- Packing medications when traveling
- Contacting the DVLA regarding driving concerns related to health
Find out more
It’s important to stay informed and educated about managing type 2 diabetes. Here are some additional steps you may need to consider:
- Regular exercise can help improve blood sugar control.
- Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also make a big difference in managing diabetes.
- Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly and keeping track of them in a journal can help you and your healthcare team make better decisions about your treatment plan.
Contraception, pregnancy and type 2 diabetes
If you are planning a pregnancy with type 2 diabetes, seek guidance from a healthcare professional on safe conception and contraception.
It is important to ensure that your blood sugar levels are well controlled before getting pregnant to reduce the risk of complications for both you and your baby.
Individuals with diabetes must carefully monitor and manage hyperglycemia to prevent complications.
Hyperglycemia can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage, so it is important to keep blood sugar levels in check through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Is hyperglycaemia serious?
The goal of diabetes treatment is to maintain normal blood sugar levels, as untreated hyperglycemia can result in serious health issues.
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can lead to complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage.
It is important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly and seek medical advice for consistent management of hyperglycemia to prevent these serious complications.
Symptoms of hyperglycaemia
Symptoms of hyperglycemia in diabetes patients may manifest slowly and include increased thirst, fatigue, and vision changes.
Undiagnosed diabetes can present similar symptoms, necessitating a medical evaluation.
What should my blood sugar level be?
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is vital for managing diabetes.
Target ranges may vary, but typically aim for specific levels before and after meals.
What causes high blood sugar?
Various factors, such as stress, illness, and medication, can trigger elevated blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.
It is important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and make necessary lifestyle adjustments to manage their condition effectively. This may include following a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and taking prescribed medications as instructed by healthcare providers.
Consult healthcare providers for appropriate management and treatment to prevent complications associated with high blood sugar, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and long-term complications like cardiovascular disease and nerve damage.
Treating hyperglycaemia
If you experience symptoms of hyperglycemia, follow the guidance provided by your healthcare team to effectively lower blood sugar levels.
Seek medical advice if you are unsure about the necessary steps to take.
- Adjust your diet to avoid foods that spike blood sugar levels
- Maintain hydration with sugar-free fluids
- Engage in gentle, regular exercise
- Adjust insulin dosage, if required
Additionally, closely monitor your blood sugar levels and test for ketones if advised.
Be alert for signs of severe conditions if your blood sugar remains uncontrolled.
When to get urgent medical attention
Prompt medical attention is necessary if symptoms of elevated blood sugar include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Rapid, deep breathing, headache, dry skin, or a weak, rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty remaining awake
These signs may indicate a serious condition requiring hospital care.
How to prevent hyperglycaemia
Reduce the risk of prolonged hyperglycemia with the following strategies:
Utilize a blood sugar meter or continuous glucose monitor to effectively monitor your levels.
Check your blood sugar at various times based on your type of diabetes and medication regimen.
When should I check my blood sugar?
Establish personalized blood sugar targets to ensure optimal management. Discuss individualized goals with your healthcare team.
What causes low blood sugar?
Understand low blood sugar triggers and management techniques. Discuss these strategies with your healthcare providers.
What causes high blood sugar?
Identify and address potential causes of elevated blood sugar levels to maintain control and prevent complications.
If your blood sugar rises during illness, monitor for ketones and seek medical advice if necessary.
Ways to manage your blood sugar
Implement healthy lifestyle habits, including diet and exercise, to effectively manage blood sugar levels.
- Observe how different foods and activities affect your blood sugar levels
- Follow a consistent meal schedule, avoiding skipping meals
- Opt for nutritious, low-calorie foods
- Keep track of food intake, hydration, and physical activity
- Choose water over sugary beverages
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Practice portion control
How do carbohydrates (carbs) affect blood sugar?
Understanding the impact of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels is crucial for diabetes management. Collaborate with your healthcare team to establish appropriate carbohydrate goals.
Work with your healthcare team to set personalized blood sugar targets for control and complication prevention.
Inadequate insulin production or action can lead to high blood sugar levels and necessitate prompt attention.
Additional tips for managing blood sugar:
- Engage in regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity
- Avoid processed and sugary foods that can cause blood sugar spikes
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and adjust your treatment plan as needed
- Seek support from a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary guidance
What causes hyperglycaemia?
Identify potential causes of elevated blood sugar levels to effectively address them.
- Missing doses of medication
- Excessive carbohydrate consumption
- Stress
- Infections
- Over-treating low blood sugar
- Use of steroids
- Underlying medical conditions
Signs and symptoms of hyperglycaemia
Recognize symptoms of high blood sugar levels and take appropriate steps to manage them effectively.
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
- Infections
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea
Seek immediate attention to lower blood sugar levels if symptoms persist.
Treating and managing hyperglycaemia
Monitor your blood sugar levels closely and check for ketones if your blood sugar remains high. Follow medical advice for insulin dosage adjustments.
Maintain hydration and adhere to ‘sick day rules’ if feeling unwell, especially during episodes of vomiting.
Contact healthcare professionals if your blood sugar consistently exceeds target ranges.
- Take your diabetes medications, including your regular insulin dose as directed by your diabetes team
- Follow the sick-day guidelines provided by your diabetes team and consult your doctor, especially if unable to eat
- Consider the impact of carbohydrate portions on blood sugar levels after meals. Managing carb intake is crucial. Continuous Glucose Monitors can provide alerts for high or low blood sugar levels, aiding in diabetes management
- Select foods lower on the Glycemic Index to control blood sugar levels. Include more fruits, vegetables, unsweetened milk, nuts, legumes, and select whole grains in your diet
- Increase fiber intake to slow down carbohydrate digestion and reduce blood sugar spikes post-meals
- Seek assistance to effectively manage weight, which can improve insulin sensitivity
- Maintain physical activity to keep blood sugar levels in check
Focus on emotional wellness, quality sleep, and stress management, as stress can impact blood sugar levels.
If elevated blood sugar levels persist, seek support from your diabetes team.
If you regularly have high blood sugar levels
Prolonged high blood sugar levels can lead to complications like neuropathy and retinopathy. Consult your diabetes team if your levels consistently exceed the target range.
They will adjust your treatment plan and offer guidance to bring your blood sugar levels back within the target range through medication changes or dosage adjustments.
Watch Lynsey’s video on coping with anxiety post high blood sugar readings. Explore emotional health resources for additional support.
Getting support
If you need assistance in managing diabetes, contact our helpline at 0345 123 2399 or visit our forum for peer support and shared experiences.