Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent type of diabetes mellitus, a group of metabolic disorders that cause your blood glucose (sugar) level to be too high because your body cannot properly use energy from the food you eat.
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes and Other Forms of Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes, along with other forms of diabetes results from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, including obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy eating habits. Increased fat, particularly around the abdomen, contributes significantly and genetics can also increase the risk. There are other factors as well, but the one of the most critical is the roll many of us have around our tummies.
How Prevalent Is Type 2 Diabetes?
In Canada, about 5.7 million people are living with diabetes (type 1 & type 2 + type 2 undiagnosed. However, there are 11.7 Canadians living with prediabetes that, if left undiagnosed or treated, can develop into type 2 diabetes. That 5.7 million is about 15% of the population
Have you been checked for diabetes?
How Is Diabetes Prevented?
How many times do you hear, “develop a healthy lifestyle,” then sit down in front of the TV and see a fast-food advert? That big juicy hamburger, I can just taste it going over my gums and look out tummy here it comes with all that greasy fat. It only counts for about 1,200 calories, and add the coke and what have you got? A snack that accounts for all the calories you need in one day.
This is a hard one, but I just decided not to go there anymore. With some very modest changes, I dropped the 15 Kgs hanging on to my belly and you can do it too. No hard and strict diet – no keto, not this or that. Just common sense.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, among other things. You may also experience increased hunger and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. Recognizing these symptoms early is essential for prompt diagnosis and effective management of the condition.
The adage, don’t delay, get tested today, is so important and it is not scary. What is scary is thinking of all the people who ignore the issue and then have to deal with all the consequential health problems. Please don’t go there; get tested today.
How Is Type 2 Diabetes Treated and Managed?
The first thing the good doctors will do is throw a pill at you. One of the most common is Metformin and there are others. But there may be an alternate option.
I decided to ditch the pill and attack my diabetes with my diet. This not only allowed me to keep the chemicals out of my body, but it also helped me with my weight control.
Have I found it restrictive with what I can eat? Not really. After testing foods and their impacts on my glucose levels, I have almost eliminated the things I should not eat, like that piece of chocolate cake I nibbled on last night.
It is up to you how you live with diabetes. I know folks who just do not care and have lost their toes and their vision. There are others who pop pills or take insulin injections. I am a living breathing example that diabetes can be managed without all those chemicals – it boils down to what you want out of your life.
The End
Navigating life with type 2 diabetes requires awareness, proactive management, and support. Understanding the condition's causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential. By making informed lifestyle choices, seeking medical guidance, and staying engaged in self-care, you can lead you to a better quality of life living with diabetes.
Please remember. Before making any treatment changes, seek advice from your medical practitioner. This blog is not presented as medical advice, but as information you may want to consider as you move forward in your journey living with diabetes.
Best wishes ...
https:www.damndiabetes.ca
Vancouver, Canada
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