Whatever type of diabetes you have, it is important to have a healthy lifestyle, as this is the basis of managing your diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and are overweight, research has shown that losing weight can improve your diabetes and may even be able to put it into remission.
We understand that trying to lose weight can be hard on your own, so we have listed some organisations below that can offer support. There are also a range of leaflets which you can download with more information about healthy eating. There is no special diet for diabetes - it is the same healthy diet that is recommended for the whole population.
- One Life Suffolk (Suffolk only)
- Active Norfolk (Norfolk only)
- Slimming World 12-week referral (Norfolk – speak to your practice about a referral)
- Wellbeing
- NHS Eatwell Guide
- BDA T1 diabetes
- BDA T2 diabetes
- Food diary – keeping a log of what you eat
- Healthy living for people with type 2 diabetes
- Ready to Change - Norfolk County Council
- Heathy eating – Diabetes UK
Leisure time activity
Lifestyle has become more sedentary over the years, with jobs being less physical and more automated, with machinery to complete jobs. More people have access to cars and public transport, meaning we are walking and cycling less.
Recommendations for physical activity are 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity. This can be broken down into 20 to 25 minute blocks each day.
Physical activity has many benefits, including:
- Helps to manage your weight better, either by maintaining or losing weight
- Helps to lower your blood pressure and improve heart health
- Helps with your mental wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety
- Sleeping better
- Lower LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) and increased HDL (‘good’ cholesterol)
- Makes your body more sensitive to insulin
- Helps to control blood sugar levels
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and nerve damage
Below are some links to organisations to help with getting more active:
- One Life Suffolk (Suffolk only)
- Active Norfolk (Norfolk only)
- Ready to Change - Norfolk County Council
You may also find the following videos useful to watch:
Exercise and Healthy Lifestyles
