Type 2 Diabetes occurs more often than type 1. The statistics on diabetes are overwhelming. Doctors diagnose 1.4 million new cases of diabetes per year per the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The ADA reports that diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States. Further statistical data by the ADA states that 9.3 percent or 29. 1 million Americans had diabetes in 2012.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes definition: Diabetes has to do with how the body breaks down sugar in the blood. The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. This hormone helps the body to digest sugar. It prevents the body’s blood sugar level from rising too high.  When there is miscommunication between the cells in the body, problems occur.

An example of this would be the body resisting the insulin. Type 2 Diabetes definition: If the body cannot regulate insulin, it results in Type 2 Diabetes. The hormone (insulin) balances out the blood sugar level. Sometimes the body cannot produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. In this example, the patient would need an insulin shot to manage the condition.

Questions and Concerns about Type 2 Diabetes

People diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes tend to question the cause of the condition.  They inquire about the symptoms and whether diabetes is a disease or an illness.  Another concern is whether diabetes mellitus is type 1 or type 2.

What is Prediabetes?

Sometimes your blood sugar levels are high enough to cause alarm.  But, you can prevent things from getting out of hand. Another term for Prediabetes is “borderline” diabetes. When you have Prediabetes, the insulin that manages your blood sugar level does not work well. The body does not communicate well with the hormone.

What is the main cause of Type 2 Diabetes?

There are two indicated causes of Type 2 Diabetes. One is hereditary, and the other one is lifestyle choices.

• Hereditary

If your parents had Type 2 diabetes, you might inherit the condition. Please note that there is not enough research to pinpoint the genetic cause of the illness.

• Lifestyle

Although you have a predisposition to the illness, you may not develop Type 2 diabetes.  You can maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep diabetes at bay.

What are the symptoms of a diabetic patient?

Type 2 Diabetes symptoms develop over time. You can have the condition for years without knowing it. The most prevalent Type 2 Diabetes symptoms include:

• Feeling thirsty and peeing more than usual
• Need to eat often
• Losing weight
• Feeling tired and sleepy
• Having blurry vision
• Sores take long to heal and getting infections faster than usual
• Dark areas on the skin
• Higher than average blood sugar level

Type 2 Diabetes symptoms are not always noticeable. But, if you feel any of the above symptoms, it is time to see a doctor.

Is diabetes a disease or illness?

Sometimes doctors call the condition diabetes mellitus. It is a disease in which patients register high blood sugar count. It is a recurring lifelong illness.

Is diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2?

The condition can be Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, or other forms of diabetes. The various types of the disease have one thing in common, insulin. The body uses it to control blood sugar levels.

Living with and Managing Type 2 Diabetes

The medical community has not found a cure for Type 2 Diabetes. But, you can control the disease with proper diet and regular exercise.  Your doctor will suggest the type of diabetes treatment you need to manage the illness.

Diet for Type 2 Diabetes

If you have a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes, you will need to eat healthy to control your blood sugar level. Your doctor will suggest that you eat your meals and snacks on a regular schedule.  The foods have to be nutritious and lack empty calories. In other words, ditch the junk foods. It is not wise to overeat. Doctors want you to read food labels with a keen eye.

There might be some confusion as to what to eat when living with Type 2 diabetes. Please see below for a list of foods your nutritionist will suggest.

List of foods from which to choose:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Peas and beans
• Whole grains

List of nuts and oils from which to choose:

Nuts>

• Almonds
• Brazil nuts
• Cashews
• Peanuts
• Pecans
• Pistachios
• Walnuts

Oils>

• Almond oil
• Avocado oil
• Hazelnut oil
• Moringa oil
• Olive oil
• Peanut oil
• Pumpkin seed oil
• Sesame oil

Meals to avoid while managing Type 2 Diabetes:

• Foods high in saturated fats
• Meals with trans fats
• Beef
• Processed meats
• Shellfish
• Stick margarine
• Shortening
• Baked goods
• Liver or other organ meats
• Processed snacks
• Beverages high in sugar
• Dairy products high in fat
• Foods high in salt
• Fried foods

Your doctor may urge you to consult with a nutritionist to help you maintain a balanced diet. Please see recipes below for Type 2 Diabetes diet. You can use the recipes as a guide to help you prepare meals.

Mushroom Barley Soup

Spicy Vegetable Quesadillas

Bean and Vegetable Burritos

Spinach and Mushroom Risotto

Curried Grated Sautéed Cauliflower

Spicy Orzo Black Bean Salad

Lemony Leeks with Chickpeas and Veggie Feta

All-Natural Vegetable Nut Salad

Veggie Cheese Burger

Enjoy Ice Cream the Healthy Way

Diabetes Treatment

Managing Type 2 Diabetes involves diabetes treatment from your doctor. He or she will tell you when and how often to check your blood glucose levels. You will need to maintain a particular range per your doctor.  It is advisable to eat foods rich in fiber and healthy carbohydrates. The foods include fruits, vegetables, and whole grain. Your doctor will caution you to eat until you feel full and do it on a set schedule.

Your doctor will instruct you to stay active by doing at least half an hour of aerobic exercise every day. It could be walking, riding a stationary bicycle or a regular bike. Exercising will help you to control your blood glucose level. Plus, it will keep your heart healthy.

It is important to maintain a healthy diet along with exercising. This will prevent added medication or get insulin shots.

Conclusion

Despite the statistical data, Type 2 Diabetes is not a death sentence. You can live a healthy life by choosing the right foods and exercising regularly. Follow your doctor’s advice and eat your meals on schedule. Replace junk foods with fruits, vegetables, and beans. Do a form of aerobic exercise on a daily basis to keep a low blood sugar level.

Are you living with Type 2 Diabetes? I would love to hear your experience.

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