Type 2 Diabetes
"Diabetes is all about insulin levels and sugar levels and what you put in your body." -Jay Cutler
What is "Type 2 Diabetes?"
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type of diabetes which occurs when the body cannot use insulin properly (insulin is a hormone that assists the body in absorbing and regulation glucose for it to be used for energy. When the body is unable to make or use enough insulin, the condition eventually leads the development of type 2 diabetes.
What are leading factors for Type 2 Diabetes?
Individuals are most likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes when they:
How can you find out if you have Type 2 Diabetes?
The most common way to find out if you have diabetes is through a blood sample test by a doctor. While going to the clinic may be tedious, the doctor may be the best way to check for diabetes. While some people have signs of diabetes (e.g. being extra thirsty, constant urination, etc.), many others have no symptoms at all. With that being stated, being tested through blood samples may be the best way to help you keep your health in good condition.
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type of diabetes which occurs when the body cannot use insulin properly (insulin is a hormone that assists the body in absorbing and regulation glucose for it to be used for energy. When the body is unable to make or use enough insulin, the condition eventually leads the development of type 2 diabetes.
What are leading factors for Type 2 Diabetes?
Individuals are most likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes when they:
- are age 45 or older
- are overweight
- are physically inactive
- have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
- have high blood pressure or high cholesterol—blood fat
- have abnormal levels of HDL, or good, cholesterol or triglycerides—another type of blood fat
- had gestational diabetes—diabetes that develops only during pregnancy—or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
- have prediabetes—meaning your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes
- are African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Islander American
- have polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS
- have a dark, velvety rash around your neck or armpits
- have blood vessel problems affecting your heart, brain, or legs
How can you find out if you have Type 2 Diabetes?
The most common way to find out if you have diabetes is through a blood sample test by a doctor. While going to the clinic may be tedious, the doctor may be the best way to check for diabetes. While some people have signs of diabetes (e.g. being extra thirsty, constant urination, etc.), many others have no symptoms at all. With that being stated, being tested through blood samples may be the best way to help you keep your health in good condition.
What are ways to prevent and treat Type 2 Diabetes?
Although there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, there are treatments available. Many of its important steps come from daily activities and changes in lifestyle such as: losing extra pounds, eating better, and becoming more active.
When one has a high risk for type 2 diabetes, doctors many recommend medications to help prevent it. Several studies show that various types of diabetes drugs can cut the odds of getting diabetes in a high-risk person, hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle.
In one clinical trial, the Diabetes Prevention Program done by the National Institutes of Health, showed that people who have a high risk of getting type 2 diabetes could lower that risk by 31% when using the prescription diabetes drug, Metformin, along with lifestyle and diet changes.
Although there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, there are treatments available. Many of its important steps come from daily activities and changes in lifestyle such as: losing extra pounds, eating better, and becoming more active.
When one has a high risk for type 2 diabetes, doctors many recommend medications to help prevent it. Several studies show that various types of diabetes drugs can cut the odds of getting diabetes in a high-risk person, hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle.
In one clinical trial, the Diabetes Prevention Program done by the National Institutes of Health, showed that people who have a high risk of getting type 2 diabetes could lower that risk by 31% when using the prescription diabetes drug, Metformin, along with lifestyle and diet changes.
What are good foods to eat to prevent Type 2 Diabetes?
Changing one's diet is one of the main ways to prevent and also to treat type 2 diabetes. The most important thing someone can do for his/her health is to lose about 5% to 10% of his/her total weight to lower blood pressure as well as cholesterol levels.
Things to ADD/INCREASE:
In general, it is good to limit foods high in carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and rice, as well as soda, candy, and snack foods. If you are trying to treat or to avoid the chances of getting type 2 diabetes, it is good to focus on high-fiber complex carbohydrates (also known as slow-release carbs). These type of carbohydrates help keep blood sugar levels even because they are digested more slowly, preventing the body from producing too much insulin.
Basic Principles of Healthy Eating (regards to Type 2 Diabetes)
Things to ADD/INCREASE:
- Brown rice
- Sweet potatoes
- Whole-wheat pasta
- Whole-wheat/Whole-grain bread
- High-fiber breakfast cereal
- Steel-cut oats
- Bran flakes
- Peas/Leafy greens
- White rice
- White potatoes (french fries, mashed potatoes, etc.)
- Regular pasta
- White bread
- Sugary breakfast cereal
- Instant oatmeal
- Cornflakes
- Corn
In general, it is good to limit foods high in carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and rice, as well as soda, candy, and snack foods. If you are trying to treat or to avoid the chances of getting type 2 diabetes, it is good to focus on high-fiber complex carbohydrates (also known as slow-release carbs). These type of carbohydrates help keep blood sugar levels even because they are digested more slowly, preventing the body from producing too much insulin.
Basic Principles of Healthy Eating (regards to Type 2 Diabetes)
- Eat a lot of non-starchy vegetables, beans, and fruits.
- Eat grains in the least-processed state possible.
- Limit white potatoes and refined grain products.
- Limit concentrated sweets.
- Eat healthful type of protein at most meals.
- Choose foods with healthful fats.
- Have three meals and one or to snacks each day.
- Eat slowly and stop when full.
Works Cited | Links
Dansinger, Michael, MD. "How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes." WebMD. WebMD, 28 Sept. 2014. Web. 10 Dec. 2014.
"Diabetes Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.
"National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC)." Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know. NIH Publication, 23 July 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.
Paul, Maya W., and Melinda Smith, MA. "Diabetes Diet and Food Tips." : Eating to Prevent, Control and Reverse Diabetes. Help Guide, Dec. 2014. Web. 12 Dec. 2014.
"Diabetes Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.
"National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC)." Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know. NIH Publication, 23 July 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.
Paul, Maya W., and Melinda Smith, MA. "Diabetes Diet and Food Tips." : Eating to Prevent, Control and Reverse Diabetes. Help Guide, Dec. 2014. Web. 12 Dec. 2014.
