Managing Type 2 Diabetes on a Daily Basis - Tips for St. Louis Residents

By: Dr. Secil Schodroski

12/20/2024

Living with Type 2 diabetes can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With the right daily habits and support, managing diabetes can become part of your routine—not the focus of it. At The Health and Wellness Center in St. Louis, we work with patients every day to create practical strategies for keeping blood sugar in check and living life to the fullest.


Here are some simple, effective tips to help you manage your diabetes while staying healthy and active.


Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes happens when your body struggles to use insulin properly, leading to higher blood sugar levels. While there’s no cure, the condition is highly manageable with the right combination of diet, exercise, and medical care.


The key is finding an approach that fits your lifestyle and keeps your blood sugar levels stable. That’s what we’re here to help with.


Daily Tips for Managing Type 2 Diabetes

1. Eat Balanced Meals

Your diet is one of the biggest factors in managing diabetes, and the right foods can make all the difference.


Focus on:


Fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Healthy fats like those in avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

Low-glycemic options that don’t cause big spikes in blood sugar.


Avoid:

Sugary snacks and drinks.

Refined carbs like white bread and pastries.

Pro tip: Plan your meals in advance so you’re not scrambling to find something healthy when hunger strikes.


2. Get Moving

Regular physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, lowering blood sugar levels naturally.


Simple ways to stay active in St. Louis:

Take a walk in your neighborhood or at a local park like Tower Grove or Forest Park.

Try fun activities like swimming, gardening, or dancing.

Start small—just 15–30 minutes a day can make a big difference.


3. Check Your Blood Sugar Regularly

Knowing how your blood sugar reacts to certain foods, activities, or medications is crucial for good management.


How to stay on top of it:

Test your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends.

Keep a log to spot patterns and share it during appointments.

Talk to your provider if your levels are consistently too high or low.


4. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is an easy way to support your blood sugar levels.


How to stay hydrated:

Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day.

Add a slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber to keep it interesting.

Limit sugary drinks like soda or sweet tea—they can cause blood sugar spikes.

5. Stick to Your Appointments

Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are key to managing Type 2 diabetes effectively. These visits help you stay on track and make adjustments to your care plan as needed.


When to call us:

Schedule routine appointments to monitor your health.

Don’t ignore symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or blurred vision.

Why Local Support Matters

At The Health and Wellness Center in St. Louis, we know managing diabetes isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. That’s why we take a personalized approach, working closely with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.


Call us today at 314-375-4507 to set up a consultation.

Visit us at 9717 Landmark Parkway Dr, St. Louis, MO 63127 to learn more about how we can help.

Learn more online at www.stlthwc.com.

You don’t have to manage diabetes alone. Let’s work together to make it easier.


About the Author

Dr. Secil Schodroski, DNP, FNP-C, is a certified family nurse practitioner and doctor of nursing practice with over 20 years of medical experience. Inspired to become a nurse at the age of 12 while caring for her great-grandparents, she learned the values of perseverance and compassion early on. Balancing life as a young mother, waitress, and college student after giving birth to her son at 18, she developed a strong dedication to her goals. Dr. Schodroski has amassed thousands of hours in practice, clinical experience, travel nursing, and internships. Believing she could offer a higher quality of care by forging her own path, she founded The Health & Wellness Center in St. Louis, MO, where she is proud to serve patients locally and from afar.


Keywords: Type 2 diabetes management St. Louis, managing diabetes daily St. Louis, diabetes care tips St. Louis, Dr. Secil Schodroski, The Health and Wellness Center St. Louis, diabetes support St. Louis, blood sugar management St. Louis, local diabetes clinic St. Louis, healthy living with diabetes St. Louis.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.