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Type 2 diabetes

Living well with type 2 diabetes

What you need to know about living well with diabetes. Practical tips on blood sugar control, medications, recipes, exercise tips and a guide to preventing complications.

Small steps can have a big impact

You can enjoy a full, vibrant life with type 2 diabetes by actively prioritising your health. There's no one big thing you can do to manage type 2 diabetes, it's about taking a series of small, sustainable steps toward a healthier you. Eating well, exercising regularly, losing weight, having regular check-ups and managing stress can all help keep your type 2 diabetes in check.

Remember, change is hard. So, be kind to yourself and take one positive step at a time.

Tips for living well with diabetes

Check-in with your GP and care team regularly

Your diabetes can change over time so it's important you're monitoring your blood glucose levels regularly, and are in close contact with your GP or care team. Creating and keeping up to date with your annual cycle of care checklist helps reduce your risk of complications.

Read about annual cycle of care

Eat smart

Enjoying a healthy balanced diet is key to help you prevent health problems like type 2 diabetes. To lower your risk of diabetes, eat a variety of nutritious foods that are low in saturated fat, sugar and salt, and high in fibre. Eat regular meals spread out through the day and be mindful of portion sizes.

Read about healthy living

Read about portion control

Find diabetes friendly recipes

Exercise regularly

Moving more is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day, can help prevent health problems like type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Try to be active on most, if not all days, do some muscle strengthening work twice a week and avoid sitting for too long. If you're new to exercise, start slowly and build up your fitness over time.

Read about benefits of exercise

Maintain a healthy weight

Carrying extra weight, particularly around the middle can put you at risk of type 2 diabetes. Losing even small amounts of weight can dramatically reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Use our BMI calculator

Check waist to height ratio

Read about long term weight loss

Cut down or stop smoking and vaping

Quitting or cutting back on smoking or vaping is one of the best things you can do to protect your health. Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and increases your risk of type 2 diabetes by 30-40%.

Contact Quitline

Download My QuitBuddy app

Read about e-cigarettes and vaping

Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels

High blood pressure and cholesterol often accompany diabetes, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. The good news is the same healthy habits that reduce your diabetes risk (weight management, eating well, exercising and reducing stress), may also help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.

Read about lowering blood pressure

Read about eating for good cholesterol

Feature story

From sugar addict to karate instructor

When Natalie was diagnosed with pre-diabetes at age 25, she knew she had to make some lifestyle changes.

Read Natalie's story

More helpful articles

6 tech solutions to manage your diabetes

There are plenty of tech options available to help you and your treatment team monitor and manage your diabetes. So, what are they and how do they work?

Read about tech solutions

5 tips to help monitor your blood sugar levels

We've put together some tips to help you easily maintain the routine of checking your blood glucose levels regularly.

Find blood monitoring tips

7 diabetes snack swaps to conquer cravings

Resisting the urge to scoff a salty snack? Aching for an ice-cream? We’ve put together a guide to help you satisfy your craving with some healthier swaps.

Get diabetes snack swaps

6 ways to beat belly fat

Anyone can have visceral fat, no matter what they weigh, and it can have a pretty big impact on your health. Check out these 6 tips to fight hidden fat.

Find ways to beat belly fat

7 ways to support a loved one living with type 2 diabetes

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be hard for many people. Learn how to navigate conversations with a loved one with diabetes.

7 ways to support a loved one living with type 2 diabetes

6 diabetes friendly desserts

Living with type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to mean skipping dessert for the rest of your life. In fact, with these sweet recipes you can enjoy treats in moderation.

6 diabetes friendly desserts

Telehealth coaching programs

Whether you're living with a medical condition, need support with lifestyle changes, or just want to find a healthier you, we can help. Bupa Telehealth offers personalised programs at no extra cost for Bupa members with eligible hospital cover. Our team of dietitians, qualified nurses and other health professionals can advise, support, and help you make lasting changes to better manage your health.
Register for call backLearn about health coaching

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These resources are not intended to be a comprehensive list or to represent that Bupa endorses any specific health practitioner or program. Everyone’s health journey is individual and health outcomes can vary from person to person. These resources are also not intended to be a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare or other professional advice. If you have any concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.