Even if type 2 diabetes is manageable, sufferers should never take the disease too lightly. According to 2011 National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse statistics, it is already the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure. It also often leads to cardiovascular diseases.
How different is type 2 diabetes to type 1?
Both are metabolic disorders, and both affect the pancreas. They also have something to do with insulin, but they are completely different from each other. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune illness. This means the body attacks the cells in the pancreas, preventing it from producing any insulin. It is also called juvenile diabetes since it starts while the sufferers are young.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, refers to the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin. It is sometimes called insulin resistance. The leading cause of type 2 diabetes is your unhealthy lifestyle. Moreover this type of diabetes develops very slowly, and a lot of sufferers remain undiagnosed.
How do you prevent type 2 diabetes?
Usually, if you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you’ll be provided with medications to boost production of insulin or regulate it, as well as lower your blood pressure. These drugs, though, can be very expensive, and maintenance costs can increase as you age.
Fortunately, you do have ways on how to cut back on the intake of medication. In fact, you can find a way to get rid of type 2 diabetes and live a more normal life:
Exercise. Managing your weight is very important if you have diabetes. One of the best ways to accomplish that is to exercise. You simply need to spare at least 30 minutes for this. If this is too much for you, you can start with 5 or 10 then slowly increase your duration. Don’t make the mistake of “making up” for the lost time or exercising for hours over the weekend and be sedentary for the rest of the week.
Watch what you eat. Type 2 diabetes means your metabolism is not in a very good condition. It is ineffective when it comes to glucose control. That’s why you have to be very careful of your eating habits.
It is highly recommended you maintain a good diet. This means you take in more vegetables. Be choosy with fruits as some of them contain high sugar content. Increase your fiber intake by eating full grains. You may follow a low glycemic diet, but before you do so discuss the meal plan with a certified nutritionist.
Have a regular checkup. Prevention is so much better than cure. Know the status of your heart, liver, and other vital organs through regular checkups.
Reduce stress. Stress isn’t good for people, especially for those who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. It causes hormonal imbalance, including insulin. You have plenty of ways to manage stress, including listening to subliminal messages or affirmations for inspiration and motivation.
By: Nelson Berry
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