My Pancreas runs on AAA batteries

... Type 2 Diabetes 101

The majority of individuals with diabetes - around 90 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, also known as "adult onset diabetes". When you have type 2 diabetes, your body produces insulin but it's resistant to its effects either because you don't produce enough, or your body doesn't recognize it and doesn't use it properly.

Type 2 diabetes, left undiagnosed can cause a huge cascade of problems, it can even kill you. It's NO joke.

Good News.... Bad News?

The bad news - ignoring or minimizing the condition can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, thyroid and kidney problems - among other issues like losing a limb or two.

The good news - with some effort and lifestyle changes, type 2 diabetes is manageable.

How? Keep reading.

First of all - Manage Stress. Stress is not only a distraction from maintaining a good routine, but lowers immunity resistance, screws with sleep and contributes to poor eating habits. It can also mess with controlling your blood sugar, so keep stress in check.

Second - Check your blood sugars regularly and ensure they are within your target range. Keeping your sugars in check with help you prevent the known complications from the disease.

Take care of your feet!! Proper foot care and a once over by a foot care professional on a regular basis is very important - as foot problems can easily arise for those with diabetes, such as nerve damage and circulation issues. Check your feet daily, wear good footwear, and report anything out of the ordinary to your doctor.

Alcohol - well, cut down on it... better yet - avoid it all together. Alcohol is empty calories, affects weight and can raise or lower blood sugar.

And finally... See your doctor and optometrist on a regular basis. They will be able to pick up on any early warning signs, and treat sooner than later.

... and for goodness sakes, if your doctor prescribes medications. Take them!!! It is for good reason!

Is Type 2 Diabetes Preventable.... short answer ... maybe.

As people continue to eat highly processed, high fat and sugar laden diets and are less active, it's no wonder why this disease is on the rise. What's more alarming, there is an increase of this what was once an "older adult" disease now being seen in children and teens.

There are several factors of developing the disease that is not entirely preventable - like family history and ethnicity ( rate of diabetes is higher in black, hispanic and indigenous communities). Other factors like high BMI and obesity, high blood pressure, "apple shaped " figures (weight around the waist) and inactivity are other factors contributing to type 2 diabetes.

Getting active has never been more in your favour!! Regular activity - just 30 mins a day - will reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 50%!! Get those extra steps in, take the stairs, park a little further, walk, or find a personal trainer or health coach to help you get moving- every little bit counts.

Eat well. You wouldn't put leaded fuel in your car.... so why would you put shitty food in your body?? Asking for a friend? lol. In all seriousness, you wouldn't. Stock up on lean meats and plant based proteins, whole grains, and lower fat dairy, while avoiding highly processed, high sugar, high fat and high calorie food. Also, try not to drink your calories. By eating well, and feeling with the right foods, you will also keep your weight that is acceptable for weight and height.

Notice the signs. Increase of thirst or hunger, fatigue, increased urination, blurry vision, unexplained weight loss and sores that won't heal... are all signs of type 2 diabetes. Go to your doctor and get checked! It is better to find out early and get it under control, than to ignore the signs and develop complications.

Although not completely avoidable, keeping active, eating well and maintaining a healthy weight can minimize your risk.

xoxo

Amanda