Diet and exercise is the main treatment

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 10 U.S. adults currently has diabetes, with numbers continuously rising. As the most common form of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong chronic disease in which high levels of sugar, or glucose, are in the blood and the body does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas, and is needed to move blood glucose into cells to be later used for energy.

For those who have Type 2 diabetes, the fat, liver and muscle cells don’t respond to insulin, resulting in insulin resistance, which causes high levels of blood sugar called hyperglycemia.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that Type 2 diabetes usually occurs slowly over time, with many being diagnosed who are overweight because excess fat makes it harder for the body to properly use insulin. There are, however, cases in which thin patients are diagnosed as well, but this typically occurs in the elderly. It’s common for Type 2 diabetes to show no symptoms for a period of time, but eventually signs include blurred vision, numbness in the hands or feet, fatigue, hunger, increased thirst or frequent infections in the bladder, kidney or skin that heal slowly.

The ultimate goal in treating Type 2 diabetes is to lower high levels of blood glucose and to prevent further complications from the disease. The National Institute of Health states that the main treatment for Type 2 diabetes is diet and exercise. Because staying active can control your blood glucose, weight and blood pressure, it can also help with blood flow and heart problems – common complications resulting from diabetes.

It’s important to learn basic management skills in order to keep healthy with Type 2 diabetes. The NIH lists those skills as monitoring your blood glucose, what to eat and when to eat it, how to properly take medication if it is needed, how to recognize and test high and low blood sugar, how to handle “sick days” and where to buy diabetes supplies and how to store them. It is also crucial to stay up-to-date with new or developing information on Type 2 diabetes, especially its complications, treatments and how to live with the disease.

As one of the most important factors in living with Type 2 diabetes, managing blood glucose levels is the first step in properly managing the disease. There are many ways a person can self-test their levels, but most common is using a device in which the finger is pricked to retrieve a small drop of blood to test on a strip within the device. This glucometer gives you the exact blood sugar reading. It’s important to have your doctor set blood glucose level goals with you as to manage the disease most effectively. Keeping a log of each reading and glucose levels will help both you and your physician keep on the right track with managing proper care.

Because Type 2 diabetes occurs most often in overweight patients, diet and exercise remains to be crucial living with the disease. The NIH suggests to work closely with a doctor or dietician to know exactly what and how much fat, protein and carbohydrates to have in a healthy diet for those with Type 2. If a patient is put on medication after first being diagnosed with diabetes, weight loss can either reduce or completely get rid of the need for medication. Though this doesn’t mean the person is “cured” from diabetes, it is one of the most effective ways in managing it.

Physical activity goes hand in hand with a healthy diet to manage Type 2 diabetes. Burning extra calories, increasing energy, improving blood flow and pressure and controlling blood sugar levels, exercising and staying active has only positive benefits to combating diabetes. It is important, however, to discuss a proper exercise plan with your doctor as some diabetes patients may need to take extra precautions before, during or after physical activity. Routinely checking blood glucose levels before and after, as well as sufficient warm up and cool down periods are some common tips for an effective exercise regimen.

If diet and exercise don’t seem to control blood glucose levels or effectively manage the disease, a doctor might prescribe medications or even insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels. The medications can be taken by mouth or by injection, but insulin can only be given by injection or pump, as stomach acid will destroy it. Other medications, besides those that control glucose levels, may be given to prevent the complications associated with diabetes such as eye and kidney diseases, as well as other conditions.

Managing Type 2 diabetes can simple and effective, but it can also be overwhelming for those who struggle with the disease. Consulting with a physician can ease some worry, but there are also support groups in which others who suffer from diabetes share tips and encouragement. A full list of support groups both online and in the community can be found at www.diabetes.org.

– by Katie Ho