Health Fitness

Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin; however, either their pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot use the insulin adequately. This is called insulin resistance. When there isn't enough insulin or the insulin is not used as it should be, glucose (sugar) can't get into the body's cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, the body's cells are not able to function properly. Other problems associated with the buildup of glucose in the blood include:

You thought you had a dream lifestyle and yes, type 2 diabetes does change your life.  But hold on, it could be for the better.  After all, haven't you been feeling tired for some time?  Add to that the additional weight you have gained over the last few years, hasn't that been bothering you?  The appetite you have developed, it's confused you why you are still hungry shortly after eating.  And those sugar cravings?  Now you have the answer!

Get clear on what your dream lifestyle looks like as it affects all areas of your life, including your health.

What are your strengths?  Focus on them.  Type 2 diabetes is not a death sentence unless you let it be.  But you do need to take it seriously, the outcome is in your control.

Diabetes is a condition that affects every system in your body, it can be a nasty disease leading to heart problems, blood vessel damage and nerve damage.  You are now in a position to prevent serious complications happening.

Now it's time to get moving ... you need to work out your personal needs.  If you are overweight (90% of people diagnosed with type 2 are), it's time to find a weight loss plan that will suit you.  One you will want to stick with.  This may be the time to consult with an Accredited Practicing Dietitian who specializes in diabetes.  By correcting the type and amount of carbohydrates you eat in each meal and snack, you will immediately see your blood sugar levels and insulin levels reduce.  In a short time you will lose weight and this will show by your clothes becoming loose, especially around your waistline.

If your health care provider mentioned self monitoring of your blood sugars before and after meals, there is a reason for it.  Everyone reacts differently to various foods and you may be told to keep your blood sugar levels under a certain value "after meals".

Learn all you can about  diabetes.  It is important to understand that although genetics is a risk factor, so is lifestyle.  If lifestyle can help bring about type 2, a healthier lifestyle can bring about it's decline.

Get more exercise.  Exercise and changes in your eating pattern often leads to successful weight loss.  And exercise acts like insulin to reduce your blood sugar levels.  It pulls sugar out of your bloodstream after using up the stored sugar in your muscles.  Exercise also helps to reduce the level of fat in your bloodstream.

Many people who are told they have type 2 diabetes are upset at the news due to the uncertainty about how it will change their life.

Combining the above steps with an attitude that shows you are more than the sum of your blood sugar levels, will show you are in charge of your diabetes and not it in charge of you. The treatment for type 2 diabetes is simple and it starts with you.