Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and managing the condition is not easy. It is important to know that you can live a long and healthy life by keeping your blood sugar levels in the target range set by you and your health-care provider. This will help to ensure the sugar is used for energy rather than building up in your blood. If left unmanaged, the excess sugar in your blood can eventually cause problems and lead to serious health complications.
You can manage type 2 diabetes by:
- eating healthy meals and snacks
- enjoying regular physical activity
- monitoring your blood sugar with a home blood glucose meter
- aiming for a healthy body weight
- taking diabetes medications including insulin, if prescribed by your doctor
- managing stress effectively
Get the support you need
Diabetes Canada is here to help provide information and support so that you can live a healthy life. A positive and realistic attitude toward your diabetes can help you manage it. Talking to other people with type 2 diabetes is a great way to learn, and to feel less alone.
Your health-care team is there to help you. Depending on your needs and the resources available in your community, your team may include a family doctor, diabetes educator (nurse and/or dietitian), endocrinologist, pharmacist, social worker, exercise physiologist, psychologist, foot-care specialist, eye-care specialist. They can answer your questions about how to manage diabetes and work with you to adjust your food plan, activity and medications.
How 2 Type 2
Do you live with type 2 diabetes? Do you provide care for a loved one who does? Living with type 2 diabetes can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. No matter where you are on your journey, understanding the condition can help you feel more in control of well-being, and help others feel more confident with supporting you. The How 2 Type 2 video series is designed to provide clear, practical guidance for managing type 2 diabetes in a way that fits your lifestyle.