Type 2 Diabetes
What To Expect
General Background
With Type 2 diabetics, insulin over time is of less use to the body. When a large amount of glucose enters the blood stream, the pancreas makes extra insulin so all glucose molecules can be used. Over time, the pancreas can not keep up with the extra glucose, leaving the extra glucose molecules idle in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar. Also, insulin over time isn't recognized by the cell, making some insulin molecules resistant to the cell.
Diabetic Diet
Fortunately with Type 2 diabetes, your diet does not have to change drastically due to the disease. You should consume a diet that is most natural for the body. You should eat a variety of food, with multiple nutrients. Most food should be high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is better to have more meals that have smaller portions than less meals that are larger in portion. Remember, there is not one perfect food, so keep a large variety in your diet to enjoy.
Monitoring Type 2
Monitoring Type 2 diabetes is a much easier task than monitoring Type 1 diabetes. Although it is recommended to take oral medications, they can be completely removed from your life if you have an excellent diet and you exercise at least 30 minutes per day. It is beneficial to keep a food diary so you can recollect what food you have consumed in your day, week, or month.
Exercise and Lifestyle
The lifestyle you choose with Type 2 determines how much you are affected by the disease. The reason why exercise is so important to diabetics is because the glucose that is left in the bloodstream can be used by the cells that need extra energy. This in turn lowers your bloodsugar levels. So instead of driving to work, try to commute by bike or walk. Spending time with family and friends, consuming a good diet and getting lots of sleep all contribute to feeling normal while living with Type 2 as well.
Professionals You Can Talk To
1. Nutritionist- a nutritionist can help custom build your diet based on your lifestyle and family needs. A nutritionist can configure your diet so that you can eat everything the family eats.
2. Ophthalmologist- you should visit an ophthalmologist regularly to make sure your high blood pressure doesn't affect your vision. If you don't visit an opthalmologist regularly, serious complications can occur, such as diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness if you are not careful.
3. Podiatrist- you should also visit a podiatrist regularly to ensure your high blood pressure doesn't cause you to develop peripheral neuropathy, the damaging of the nerves in your hands and feet.
Sources
American Diabetes Association. (2014). Diabetes Meal Plans and a Healthy Diet. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/diabetes-meal-plans-and-a-healthy-diet.html
Peripheral Neuropathy
American Podiatric Medical Association. (2014). Peripheral Neuropathy. Retrieved from http://www.apma.org/Learn/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=1864
Opthalmologist
Education Portal. (2014). Ophthalmologist: Employment Info & Requirements. Retrieved from http://education-portal.com/articles/Ophthalmologist_Employment_Info_and_Requirements_for_Becoming_an_Ophthalmologist.html
Man Lifting Weights Picture
Web Md. (2014). [Photograph ]. Retrieved from http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/diabetes_type-2_slideshow/getty_rf_photo_man_lifting_weight.jpg
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