Protect Yourself Against Type 2 Diabetes!

On the subject of type 2 diabetes, once you have received your diagnosis you will be a lifelong student in the subject of diabetes. Your body will go through natural changes each year, and these changes will require adjustments on your part.

If you have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you are probably confused about the condition and everything that goes along with it, and rightfully so. There is so much conflicting information. So let's start at the beginning.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition of metabolism. There are several types, all with one common feature: chronically elevated blood sugar levels unless they are successfully managed. By definition, this level is now seen to be a blood sugar reading, taken before breakfast, of more than 126 mg/dL (7mmol/L).

The major forms of diabetes are:

Type 1 which was formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes accounts for 7 to 10% of the total cases. Common symptoms include:

• weight loss of fat and muscle
• increased urination including during the night-time
• insatiable thirst
• blurred vision
• fatigue
• difficulty with concentration
• confusion

Type 2 is the more prevalent form of diabetes. It is linked to a genetic history of type 2 diabetes in your family, plus the body changes that comes with obesity and lack of exercise. Type 2, also known as the silent epidemic, can come about without major symptoms until serious complications occur. Complications such as a heart attack, blindness, numbness in your feet, or even a heart attack. Unfortunately, it is estimated that only half of the people with type 2 know they have this condition.

Risk factors for type 2 include:

• being overweight, particularly around your middle: (a waist measurement of 37 inches in males, 33 inches in females puts you at greater risk)
• poor nutrition
• having a history of high levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood
• a history of heart problems
• genetics... having a parent or other close relative with type 2 diabetes

Gestational Diabetes affects women who develop problems with glucose metabolism during pregnancy. It not only affects the mother's health but also the baby's... high sugar levels encourages excessive growth in the baby. There is also a lifelong elevated risk of diabetes for both the mother and child.

Diabetes Prevention: As diabetes is classed as epidemic, what can you do to protect yourself? Where type 2 diabetes is concerned, more than in any other health condition, prevention and management is the key. Preventing type 1 diabetes remains the object of international research.

Preventing type 2 diabetes entails:

• watching your weight... how you manage your lifestyle is closely connected to type 2
• making positive lifestyle choices... make effort each and every day to work positively on your lifestyle choices
• increase your physical activity, get moving... go to the gym or go for a walk. Physical activity is the most validated way of preventing type 2 diabetes and helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels when diabetes is already present
• manage stress... stress plays a big role in the worsening of all forms of diabetes... stress hormones have an effect on insulin and raises your blood sugar levels. Emotional stress is also linked to overeating
• improve your diet, increase your fresh food intake. Eat balanced meals... eat a little less of everything but vegetables

Don't forget to track your progress... studies show that people who write down what they eat are more likely to eat less food. And people who keep track of their physical activity are more likely to stick to their get-moving plan to help prevent or reverse type 2 diabetes.

Would you like more information about alternative ways to handle your type 2 diabetes?

To download your free copy of my E-Book, click here now: Answers to Your Questions... its based on questions many diabetics have asked me over recent months.

Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to help you understand how to live easily and happily with your type 2 diabetes.
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