Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult on-set diabetes, is this most common form of this condition, and is one of the most rapidly growing conditions in the world. It has officially been labeled an epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as the estimates show that nearly 10% of the U.S. population is affected.
One of the first symptoms of type 2 diabetes would be chronic fatigue and weakness. This is because diabetes is a disease of insulin, which is the hormone that facilitates glucose metabolism in your body’s cells. Glucose is the energy source that these cells run on, so if there is a problem with insulin your body will not be able to get the energy it needs to function properly. Other common symptoms include blurred vision, increased urination, and increased thirst and hunger.
Officially, there is no cure for type 2 diabetes. However, that does not mean that there is nothing you can do to prevent the serious damage this disease can have on your body. With the proper lifestyle changes you can reverse this disease, effectively neutralizing the condition.
The reason there is no cure for this condition is because it is not a disease that one catches or develops, it is a side effect from living an unhealthy life of poor diet and inactivity. A cure would indicate that there was some pill you could take to get rid of the condition, and still eat all the junk food you wanted, while getting little to know exercise. That means the “cure” for type two diabetes is making significant lifestyle changes, and sticking to them.
The consequences for ignoring this problem can be fatal. The majority of those with unchecked diabetes end up dying from either a heart attack or stroke. You are also at risk for going blind, causing severe damage to your kidneys, or even having your foot or leg amputated. This is an easy condition to ignore at first, since you may not notice any immediate complications, but failing to get it under control is a serious mistake.
The first step that any diabetic should take to help reverse the condition is to stop smoking. Smoking is bad for anyone’s health, but it is especially damaging for diabetics. It intensifies all of the complications of this conditions, and there is even initial research showing that it can play a part in developing insulin resistance and other glucose problems.
The next step should be to take control of your eating habits. Insulin resistance is thought to be caused by a lifetime of spiking insulin levels by eating refined sugars and carbohydrates, as well as other poor eating habits. The goal of a type two diabetic should be to switch to a healthy, whole foods, based diet.
You should see a nutritionist of doctor to formulate a meal plan which caters to your specific needs, but there are some simple things you can do immediately to make a positive change. The first would be to cut out refined, also known as “white”, carbohydrates. This includes sugar (candy, soda, and ice cream), refined flour (white bread, pizza, pasta), and nearly everything that contains high fructose corn syrup. Avoid all fast food and any processed foods you would buy in the grocery store. The goal is to eat real food, not something that comes in a box and is microwave ready.
Exercise is also an essential part of any diabetes management plan. You do not need to be running marathons in order to see significant benefits in your blood sugar levels. If you are not used to working out, start by taking a daily walk around the block, and moving up to more strenuous activities once you are in better shape. Always seek professinal medical advice before starting on any new exercise program.
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