In 2005 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. After the birth of my son, Isaiah. In denial, I fought against making dietary changes, for several years. This resulted in multiple trips to the emergency room visits and weight gain. My wake-up call was in 2019 through the loss of my mother. Her passing started my journey to a healthier life and a healthier me!
I am delighted to share a few self-care tips that personally changed my life. You do want to consult your physician as everyone's health is different.
1. Exercise:
Find a workout buddy to take this weight loss journey with you.
You can start by walking, signing up for your local gym, or finding a personal trainer.
A personal trainer helps set personalized activities related to your health and weight.
A personal trainer can provide daily meal preps and exercise guidelines to help you on your journey.
A personal trainer can hold you accountable.
Set realistic weight goals: Remember the goal is to become healthier. Do not become discouraged if you do not lose weight quickly.
Take your weight at the begging of your journey.
Keep a log to track your progress.
2. Nutritional Changes:
It may be challenging to alter your food habits, however, starting off with portion control can definitely help.
Consult with your physician for a nutrition recommendation
Set a meal schedule and avoid late-night eating.
Increase water consumption
Reducing sugary drinks and sweet intake.
3. Track your Medication:
Consider creating a medication schedule.
This will remind you to take your medications prescribed
Track how your medication makes you feel.
Stay in tune with how you feel while taking medication.
Create a Journal to log any feelings of abnormalities. It is helpful to also write down activities and times of occurrence
Monitor your blood sugars
Monitor by checking before and after every meal
Keeping an eye on your blood sugars after eating certain meals can help you determine which food affects your blood sugar the most.
4. Support Group:
Find a support group to motivate you and push you. My support was my trainer and life coach.
5. Remove unhealthy lifestyle habits:
Smoking:
Smoking can lessen the effectiveness of insulin. Smoking makes managing the disease and regulating insulin levels difficult.
Alcohol Intake:
Limit your alcohol consumption
Keep on hand glucagon kits in case of Emergency
I recommend consulting your physician before implementing these tips.