People with type 2 or gestational diabetes can definitely manage their diabetes without medication. That is because your body still produces insulin. People who have type 1 diabetes, though, no longer produce insulin on their own or produce such a small amount that it cannot be controlled without medication. Below we will explore what it takes to control diabetes without medication for those who can.
- Loose weight. Losing as little as three percent of your overall body weight can help you improve your blood glucose levels. The closer you are to a healthy BMI, the better your odds of controlling diabetes without medication.
- Exercise. Getting daily aerobic exercise can be instrumental in helping you control your sugar levels without medication. As you exercise, your muscles use glucose, resulting in lower blood sugar levels and allowing your body to use insulin more effectively.
- Diet. Consume a diet lower in sugar and carbohydrates to control blood sugar spikes and keep your sugar levels better controlled over time. While you do not need to follow an extremely low-carb diet, it is a good idea to reduce the overall number of carbs you eat if you’re trying to avoid medication for your diabetes.
If you truly want to manage your diabetes without medication, these are the three biggest changes you need to make.