The food you eat is broken down into glucose (blood sugar), which is absorbed into the bloodstream. In response, the pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin, a kind of key that unlocks muscle and tissue cells, allowing blood sugar to enter the cells and energize them. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas either produces too little insulin or the cells resist the unlocking action of insulin. In either case, your body is starved for energy as sugar builds up in the bloodstream.
Why some people develop type 2 diabetes is not fully understood, but certain risk factors have been identified, including obesity, inactivity, poor diet, age, race (African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Native Americans have a higher incidence), a family history of diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Identify the Warning Signs
Over time, too much glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to heart disease, nerve damage, stroke, vision loss, and kidney disease. That's why it's so important to recognize the warning of type 2 diabetes and to begin treatment as early as possible. Some of the symptoms to look for include:
- increased thirst and frequent urination, as body tissues lose fluid and sugar builds up in the blood
- increased hunger, as muscles and organs, depleted of sugar and energy, crave more food
- weight loss. Without sugar, muscle and fat shrink, even though you may be eating more.
- Fatigue occurs when cells are deprived of energy-producing sugar.
- Nerve damage and poor blood circulation can lead to decreased tactile sensation, an increased risk of infections, and sores that heal slowly or not at all.
Lifestyle Changes for Treatment and Prevention
Although there is no cure, healthy lifestyle changes can help you manage, or even prevent, type 2 diabetes. Choose foods that are high in nutrition and low in fat and calories, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Diabetes should not condemn you to a bland or boring diet. Go for variety. Even sweets are okay now and then, as long as they’re part of a balanced meal plan that helps you maintain a healthy weight and stable blood sugar levels.
Regular exercise, whether you walk, swim, bike or run, also plays an important role in diabetes management and prevention. Start slowly and build up to at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. Add strength training to your routine if you want to reduce fat, increase muscle, and burn additional calories. Because exercise lowers blood sugar, you might need to snack before working out. Your goal is to maintain healthy and consistent blood sugar levels.
If diet and exercise are not enough to manage diabetes, you may need medication or insulin therapy to keep your blood sugar in check. Most medications will either stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin or make your cells more receptive to insulin. Work with your doctor to develop a plan that's best for you.
Even if diabetes runs in your family, a wholesome diet and regular exercise can help prevent type 2 diabetes. And if you already have diabetes, start making healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of serious complications.
Sources:
American Diabetes Association, "Type 2 Diabetes" (accessed 12/30/10)
American Heart Association, "Type 2 Diabetes" (accessed 01/02/10)
George Conway - George Conway is a freelance writer with twenty years of experience in healthcare and non-profit training, management and administration. ...
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