Question

I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I'm 55 and a bit overweight. My wife and I argue - which is more important for managing diabetes - diet or exercise?

Answer

Well you will be pleased to know that you will be able to cease arguing with your wife as neither diet or exercise is more important, but Both diet and exercise are equally important in managing your diabetes. What's more, arguing can be stressful, and stress management is another important factor in diabetic control so arguing can be harmful.
 

Perhaps you need to understand more about diabetes, which will help you to acquire and maintain a quality of life. For people with type 2 diabetes, lifestyle modifications are an essential part of disease management. However, these lifestyle changes should be adhered to by everyone for maintaining health and preventing many diseases.
 

A Diabetic diet is a very healthy eating plan that is suitable even for non-diabetics. As well as eating healthily, regular exercise and losing excess body weight, then maintaining normal weight, no smoking, stress management and controlled alcohol intake are all important.
 

The top priority of course is good glucose or blood sugar control. This however is accomplished by regular blood sugar checks, following a high fibre -heart healthy diet which is low in fat and cholesterol, exercising regularly, losing and maintaining normal weight. stress management and abstaining from smoking. Following all this advice will help prevent the debilitating complications associated with this condition. The complications of diabetes include: 1. Arteriosclerosis (effecting the heart, brain, internal organs, and extremities) 2. Nerve damage 3. Kidney diseases 4. Eye damage 5. Skin diseases.
 

High fibre foods: breads, pasta, rice, cereals, dried peas and beans, fruits and vegetables are good sources of complex carbohydrates (starch and fibre). They are excellent substitutes for foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Fruits and vegetables raise your energy level and provide fiber to help regulate blood sugar, as well as lower cholesterol, reduce cancer risk and prevent intestinal problems. They've also been linked to helping control high blood pressure. Five a day - that's the magic number of servings of fruits and vegetables recommended. For a heart healthy low fat low cholesterol diet which can be incorporated into a diabetic diet can be seen in a link below.
 

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