Diabetes is a condition that occurs due to irregular functioning or the lack of insulin. The glucose level spikes up to an unhealthy level, causing many undesirable side effects. Sometimes, it may be genetic. There are two types of diabetes, namely Type 1 and Type2. Type 1 occurs is when your body produces little to no insulin while Type 2 occurs when insulin is produced but not used properly.

Here are some lifestyle changes you must make to control your diabetic condition:

1. Exercise
Regular exercise is important to control glucose levels.

• Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels and improves the ability to use glucose. This reduces the necessity of insulin to work on your glucose control.
• It lowers blood pressure.
• It improves blood flow.
• It helps burn extra calories and glucose. This calls for little insulin for glucose management.
• It improves your mood and heightens your self-confidence.
• It helps you sleep better.
• It lowers the risk of heart disease which is a common result of diabetes.

A diabetic should ideally exercise for about two and a half hours with a mix of moderate and intense workout. Moderate exercises include walking, brisk walking, cycling on flat terrain, hiking, and aerobics. High-intensity workouts include running, swimming, cycling on steep slopes, and skipping. Make sure to take care of your feet as people with diabetes have low blood flow and nerve damage. Wear comfortable shoes that are shock absorbent.

2. Maintain a healthy BMI
Diabetics are expected to reach a healthy BMI to be healthy. A healthy BMI lies between 18.5 and 24.9.

Losing weight can help you keep your sugar levels in check. If your BMI is 30 or above, you should consider a structured weight loss program. If you see no results even after working out, you should consider meeting a doctor.

3. Stop smoking
Smoking highly reduces your ability to control diabetes. It makes it harder for you to exercise, which will affect diabetes. When you have diabetes, you have higher chances of acquiring other diseases, such as heart diseases, kidney failure, and nerve damage. When you smoke, you increase these chances even more.

4. Stress management
Stress has always been a curse for many people. When your body is physically or mentally stressed, it goes through many changes like high blood pressure and a rise in blood glucose levels. Constant stress challenges the control of sugar levels. By reducing stress levels, the risk of acquiring diabetes-related diseases like heart problems, stroke, and hypertension are also reduced.

5. Sleep
Sleep is extremely important for energy levels and weight control. It also helps control blood sugar. A minimum of eight hours of sleep must be maintained every day.