Managing your type 2 diabetes
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EmailMotivate yourself to manage your diabetes by following a few simple steps.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Those with type 1 diabetes were likely born with it, but type 2 diabetes usually develops at a later age or when you are not taking care of your health like you should. Type 2 is also the most common form of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body does not use insulin properly. Your body blood glucose level rises higher than normal, which causes hyperglycemia. This insulin resistance causes your pancreas to make up for the lack of insulin your body would normally produce. Over time, your body doesn’t keep up with the normal production, causing all kinds of problems. Those with type 2 diabetes are usually treated with medication and insulin to help keep blood glucose levels normal.
If you have type 2 diabetes, listen to your doctor and follow the outlined plan for your disease. Cutting down on carbohydrates is key because carbs are broken down by our body into simple sugars called glucose, and too much of that is not helpful for your cause. Increasing your healthy diet is also important. Eating a variety of vegetables, whole grains, beans, lean meats, fish and poultry is a great way to stay healthy. Portion size is also important and remembering to eat foods high in fiber because that helps lower your cholesterol.
Staying active is a great way to help drop some of the extra pounds if your body mass index is higher than it should be. Burning calories and losing extra body fat is also a way to possibly change how diabetes affects you. Listening to your health care provider and being conscience of what you eat matched with a consistent work out plan just may turn diabetes around for you.
Michigan State University Extension supports healthy living programs that results in youth and adults understanding and fostering healthier lifestyles and behaviors.
