There is a saying that I tend to live by when things start to get a little tough: if you can’t beat them, join them.
Rather than swimming upstream and battling the forces against you, just join them. The recent technology explosion has infiltrated our every waking breath, and there is really no way to resist it. Though so many people bemoan that we are zombies with cell phones in hand (which is pretty accurate, to be honest), there is no use fighting this particular apocalypse.
Instead, perhaps we should look for ways to use technology and our phone-obsessed youth to our advantage.
Some researchers are already doing this. One study found that daily text messages can help regulate blood glucose.
Text Messaging Helps Regulate Blood Glucose
In a recent study, cutely named The Dulce Digital, low-income Hispanics with type 2 diabetes were sent daily text messages for six months. The text messages were health-related and offered little bits of advice.
Here are a few messages that the participants received:
- Use small plates! Portions will look larger, and you may feel more satisfied after eating.
- It takes a team! Get the support you need — family, friends and support groups can help you to succeed.
- Tick, tock. Take your medication at the same time every day!
- Time to check your blood sugar. Please text back your results.
At the end of the study, participants showed significant improvements in their glucose levels. The improvements were so impressive that they were comparable to the beneficial effects of glucose-lowering medication.
Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease in many ways. As such, it makes sense that a little bit of motivation and guidance can help you get back on track. If you feel empowered despite your diagnosis, then you are much more likely to make good decisions regarding your diet and exercise.
Until this text messaging program, seek out some daily inspiration in a phone app or an online community, such as Diabetics Weekly.
[expand title=”References“]
Science Daily. URL Link. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
[/expand]
