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Lifestyle Changes for Diabetes Prevention and Management
Dietary Changes and Physical Exercises
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic illness characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar. Lifestyle modifications help manage and prevent the development of Type 2 DM. One lifestyle change Type 2 DM patients are advised to adopt involves making dietary changes. There is no particular diet that offers better management of Type 2 DM. However, Type 2 DM patients are advised to ensure they eat their meals at regular intervals. These meals should consist of high-fiber foods such as fruits and whole grains. They are also advised to avoid eating meals with high concentrations of refined grains and fats. Furthermore, Type 2 DM patients should monitor their carbohydrate intake. This will help them manage their blood glucose levels efficiently. According to research, a low-carb diet helps lower HbA1C levels and offers short-term weight loss (Petroni et al., 2021). For example, by consuming fruits (that contain fibers) in adequate amounts, Type 2 DM patients can manage their blood sugar levels.
Additionally, Type 2 DM patients are advised to engage in regular physical exercise. The healthcare system handles and averts chronic illnesses through adjustments to lifestyle techniques (Oh et al., 2023). By exercising regularly, Type 2 DM patients can improve their muscle capacity. This will ensure that their bodies take in more glucose, preventing the likelihood of elevated blood glucose levels. The exercises they engage in can range from simple ones, such as swimming and walking, to complex ones, such as weightlifting. Resistance exercises such as yoga enhance insulin sensitivity (Syeda et al., 2023). Enhanced insulin sensitivity lowers sugar levels by enabling cells in the bloodstream to absorb blood glucose more efficiently. Engaging in aerobic and resistance exercises for 150 minutes every seven days can help reduce weight by 5-10% (Syeda et al., 2023). Essentially, Type 2 DM patients should limit the time they spend inactive.
Impact of Lifestyle Modifications on Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Management
In addition to improving glucose level regulation, high-fiber diets consumed by Type 2 DM patients help lower lipid levels in the blood. Digestion may be slowed by soluble fiber's ability to draw water into the gut and create a gel. This lessens appetite and averts blood glucose spikes after eating. When Type 2 DM patients consume foods rich in fiber, they feel full faster than when consuming other foods, and therefore, their risks of overeating (which could result in weight gain) are reduced. Additionally, engaging in physical activity helps lower blood sugar levels in the body because when patients work out, their muscles become more sensitive to insulin than if they do not. Insulin sensitivity determines the general pace and amount of glucose absorption, which helps maintain circulating glucose levels. Exercise is vital for individuals who are obese because it allows them to manage their weight and hence reduces their chances of developing Type 2 DM as a result of accumulated excessive fats.
Nurses' Role in Educating and Promoting Diabetes Management Lifestyle Changes
Nurses should offer patient-specific education to help individual patients understand how dietary changes and physical exercises can help them better manage their Type 2 DM. In the treatment and care of patients with diabetes, nurses play a crucial role (Alshammari et al., 2021). Additionally, to ease the process of lifestyle changes, nurses task themselves with helping patients decide on which meals they should consume and which they should avoid. Moreover, to encourage the adoption of engagement in physical exercises by patients at risk of Type 2 DM or those who already have it, nurses should offer advice on which exercises they should engage in. Nurses have more expertise in healthcare than patients; hence, they can help them make more informed decisions. Nurses should regularly monitor patients' progress to ensure they do not default in adopting the lifestyle changes advised. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Alshammari, M., Windle, R., Bowskill, D., & Adams, G. (2021). The role of nurses in diabetes care: A qualitative study. Open Journal of Nursing, 11(08), 682-695.
Oh, S., Kim, E., & Shoda, J. (2023). Editorial: Lifestyle modification strategies as first line of chronic disease management. Frontiers in Physiology, 14.
Petroni, M. L., Brodosi, L., Marchignoli, F., Sasdelli, A. S., Caraceni, P., Marchesini, G., & Ravaioli, F. (2021). Nutrition in patients with type 2 diabetes: Present knowledge and remaining challenges. Nutrients, 13(8), 2748.
Syeda, U. A., Battillo, D., Visaria, A., & Malin, S. K. (2023). The importance of exercise for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. American Journal of Medicine Open, 9, 100031.