Type 2 Diabetes
Carson MacGee and Sina Selepeo
Background Information
Type 2 Diabetes is a condition that affects the way your body makes sugar (glucose). Your body can either resist the effects of insulin or not produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level. This is most common in adults but it is starting to increase in children. There is currently no cure for this but you can manage by eating well, exercising and maintaining a heathy weight.
Recommendations for Diet
Your main focus is to keep your sugar (glucose) level in your target range. Some goals are to have foods from all the food groups, take in fewer calories, have the same amount of carbs at each meal/snack, eat healthier fats, and limit alcohol use.
Role of Blood Sugar
The role of the blood sugar is to monitor it to be safe and know if the person is having a good and healthy diabetic care plan.
Recommendations for Exercise and Lifestyle
Most people are usually overweight when you have this type of diabetes. You can change some of your normal activities like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking far away from the store so you can walk longer. You can also do aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging/running, swimming, or biking for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Staying in shape keeps diabetes under control because it increases insulin sensitivity which improves blood sugar control and reduces cardiovascular risks.
Certified Diabetic Educator (CDE)
A CDE is a health professional that helps people who have diabetes understand and manage the condition. They work with you to develop a healthy plan that becomes a regular part of your life.
Endocrinologist
These people train to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems by helping to restore normal balance of hormones in the body. One of the most common disease they deal with from the endocrine system are diabetes mellitus.
Dietitians
These people can be the most important member of your diabetes management team. They teach you how to follow a proper diet, avoid poor nutrition, and lose weight to manage your diabetes better.
Citations
Mandal, M.D. (2014). What is an Endocrinologist. News medical. Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-an-Endocrinologist.aspx
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). Type 2 diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-an-Endocrinologist.aspx
Thompson. (2010). Dietitian on Management Team. Everyday Health. Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/your-dietitian-a-valuable-ally.aspx