Many people don’t like the idea of using medications for the treatment of diabetes or any other illness for that matter. The good news is that it is possible to avoid medicines if a heart healthy diet and regular exercise are included in one’s lifestyle for keeping blood sugar under control.

However, it is important to regularly test the blood sugar during the lifestyle modifications to get confirmed on the effectiveness of the lifestyle changes for you. Fasting blood sugar must be less than 126 and hemoglobin A1C less than 7 after at least 2 weeks of the lifestyle adjustments.

The effectiveness of exercise in reducing blood sugar is now clinically proven. You should opt for regular, moderate or vigorous exercise that should include 30-minute brisk walking daily. Exercise like that has worked for many diabetes patients in keeping the blood sugar under control and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Nevertheless, along with the healthy lifestyle, medication is essential and the use of insulin is needed to keep blood sugar under control for the patients of type 1 diabetes, who are typically under the age of 30.

When we’re talking about controlling blood sugar by lifestyle modifications, we’re talking for the patients of type 2 diabetes. Healthy modifications in the lifestyle have its benefits for everyone whether they are the patients of diabetes or not though.

Patients of type 1 diabetes are recommended to visit their physicians about every 3 to 4 months for the rest of their lives. Physicians look at the treatment and if needed adjust it during these visits.