How Healthy Eating and Exercise Help Manage Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 1.25 million Americans have Type 1 diabetes, and about 40,000 will receive a diagnosis this year. Type 1 diabetes affects every gender, every race, every age, and every body type. As the American Diabetes Association website states, “There is no shame in having it, and you have a community of people ready to support you.” While diabetes is a condition that must be monitored and managed, it is not a condition that will prevent you from reaching your goals. There are Olympic athletes, professional football players, rock stars, and CEOs living with diabetes.

 Three Types of Diabetes

First of all, there is Type 1. If you have Type 1 diabetes, your body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas, and its purpose is to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells in your body. When you eat carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into glucose so that your cells can use that energy, and without insulin, that energy won’t get to where it needs to go. This is why insulin therapy and other treatments are important components of diabetes management. Wholesome nutritious food and moving your body every day are also important in managing Type 1 diabetes.

The second kind of diabetes is called Type 2 diabetes, and it is much more common. About one in three American adults is at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin properly. Healthy eating and exercise are very important parts of managing blood sugar levels, and some people may need insulin therapy as well. There are many tools available to help people manage Type 2 diabetes, and it is important to know you are not alone. Whether you need help learning how to fuel your body with nutrient dense and enjoyable food, or learning how to move every day in ways that feel good and build strength, flexibility, and endurance, there are resources available.

 The third type of diabetes is gestational diabetes. This form of the condition only affects pregnant women. Nearly 10% of pregnancies in the US will be affected by gestational diabetes. It is fully treatable and it is absolutely possible to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery while managing gestational diabetes. Having gestational diabetes does not necessarily mean that there will be a diabetes diagnosis following the pregnancy. As with all forms of diabetes, a wholesome and healthy diet and regular exercise are very important parts of treatment, along with regular blood sugar testing and any other therapies your health care team prescribes.

 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

This year, the National Institute of Health is focusing on the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease because adults with diabetes are twice as likely to die from heart disease or stroke. This means that learning how to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and eat well should be top priorities for everyone with a diabetes diagnosis.

 Regular Chiropractic Care supports Patients with Diabetes

Chiropractic care involves the health of the whole body, and there are several ways that regular chiropractic care supports patients with diabetes. First of all, chiropractors emphasize good nutrition and regular exercise. The importance of these two factors in all health, and even more so in patients with diabetes, cannot be overestimated. Every bit of support helps when it comes to healthy lifestyle choices. Secondly, people whose bodies are properly aligned are more likely to enjoy movement and exercise. Misalignment can affect mobility and movement, and in order to minimize pain and increase mobility and flexibility, it is important to correct any misalignments. Proper alignment also means optimal function of the nervous system, and this is important to hormonal balance in the body.  Finally, chiropractic is an effective, drug-free, noninvasive treatment for some of the complications that may arise in people with diabetes, such as peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle cramping. Your chiropractor will work with the other members of your health care team to support you as you manage diabetes and live the life you want.