If you're an adult looking for information about type 2 diabetes, then chances are you already have some knowledge
But what you may not be aware of is that a lot of people suffering with diabetes are unaware that there are many treatments available for them to combat the disease. This article will help you understand your condition better and the options you have.
Type 2 diabetes refers to the fact that your body does not use the insulin normally needed to metabolize the glucose you eat into energy. And since most people do not control their sugar levels well with regular physical activity and healthy eating, others need either insulin or medication to treat it. No matter what kind of diabetes you have, every type 2 diabetes journey is different. Your doctor can advise you on the best treatment for your condition.
When looking at the various types of diabetes, one of the more common is the type I diabetes. This is a genetically inherited form of the disease which means it is passed down from parents to children. It is the second most common type of diabetes, affecting about four million people in the United States. Symptoms of type I diabetes include having problems controlling your blood sugar levels, blurry vision and having trouble catching your breath. These are the same symptoms of a person who has diabetes type II.
The third most common type is type II diabetes. This is caused by changes in the body's hormone production called insulin resistance. If you think you may be experiencing some of the above symptoms, speak with your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. In most cases, the type of diabetes you have is also determined by how well your body is able to handle glucose. The more glucose, your body can produce, the more insulin it needs to help metabolize it.
Diabetes is a disease that is more common in women than men, yet it is also possible to develop it even if you're a man. The most common cause is poor nutrition; so if you've been trying to lose weight and you're feeling sluggish, you may want to look into improving your diet.
Lifestyle changes, though sometimes hard, are one of the best ways to treat and even prevent diabetes. Here are a few simple ways to help you:
Exercise: Physical activity helps your body burn more calories and keeps your heart rate steady. You can try doing cardiovascular exercises like walking, jogging or running for 30 minutes a day, or do regular workouts at the gym to boost your muscle tone and strengthen your legs and ankles.
Eat right: A healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products, and protein-rich grains help regulate your blood sugar levels. Eating at least six small meals a day, along with plenty of fruits and vegetables and other foods high in fiber, will provide you with all the nutrients your body needs to function properly. You should also get plenty of sleep, which helps regulate your body's temperature. And by the way, if you eat too much red meat or high sugar foods, you may want to limit yourself.
Manage Stress: Stress is not only bad for your overall health, but it can also affect your body and lead to many health problems, such as diabetes. So take time out of your busy schedule to relax every day, even if you can't stop watching TV. Find something relaxing to do, like gardening or reading a favorite book. Also try to find a way to manage stress, whether it's from work, a family member, or the neighborhood kids.
Watch Your Diet: When your body is already overproducing insulin, it's hard to tell when it's time to eat. Try to limit foods that are high in sugar. as little carbohydrates as possible, and stick to foods that are high in fiber and protein. If you're trying to lose weight, start drinking lots of water to flush out the toxins in your body. In fact, drinking eight glasses a day can help regulate your blood sugar levels and keep your cholesterol levels low.
Use the right medication: Take the right medication for your type of diabetes. If you're trying to manage your blood sugar, talk with your doctor about taking insulin shots that will help your cells make enough insulin. Or consider an injection to give your body more energy to function properly.