5 Tips to manage Type 2 Diabetes

America is under siege by an epidemic, its called Diabetes Type 2.  Take a look at these statistics as reported by the american diabetes association.

• 23.6 million Americans have diabetes
• 57 million Americans are pre-diabetic
• 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are reported each year
• For those over age 60, almost 1 in 4 have diabetes
• Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death
• Diabetes increases heart attack risk and 68% of diabetes related death certificates report heart related problems
• 75% of adults with diabetes will develop high blood pressure
• Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and nervous system disorders
• Diabetes costs more than $174 billion annually

Keep in mind there is a difference between Type 1 and 2 Diabetes.  This article is specifically dealing with Type 2 and ways to help you manage it.  For many who have been diagnosed with Diabetes it comes as quit a shock.  A few pounds here and maybe a couple years of doctors asking them nicely to eat healthier.  Then one day out of no where they have this Diagnosis looming over them with no real idea of what to do.

Here are 5 tips for you or your loved one to help manage their Diabetes.  Things will have to change for them and some of those changes are going to entail an incredible amount of hard work.  however with the right plan and a whole bunch of support people everywhere can overcome Diabetes Type 2!

1. Get Insulin Under Control– Diabetes is triggered by insulin resistance and regaining proper insulin sensitivity will be key in your fight against Diabetes. Limit consumption of sugars, grains and processed carbohydrates and focus on healthy proteins, fats and green veggies.
2. Exercise– Very few things are agreed upon in the medical and nutrition world, exercise is one of them! Exercise increases the muscles ability to use insulin and over time can help reduce insulin resistance. Specifically H.I.T type workouts are the best for Diabetic control.  High Intensity Training is a shorter term interval training method that ramps of the heart rate, builds muscle and helps with weight loss.  30-45 minutes a day of training can make a huge difference!
3. Weight Loss– Obesity and Diabetes are often thought of in a  hand in hand manner, and while the debate still rages on if one causes the other, losing weight can help mitigate diabetes.
4. Reduce Stress–  Stress raises cortisol and can lead to hormone imbalance, insulin issues and increases risk for certain types of disease. Work to reduce your sources of stress from lack of sleep, exposure to toxins, mental and emotional sources and poor diet. Studies show that getting quality sleep every night reduce stress levels.
5. Supplement– Supplements can help your body heal from diabetes, especially while your body works to gain proper insulin reactions again. Supplements often associated with helping diabetes symptoms and improving the disease are cinnamon, omega-3 fatty acids, alpha lipoic acid, chromium, coenzyme Q10, garlic, and magnesium

Dr. Beard at Winston Salem Family Care is able and willing to help you manage your Diabetes in a healthy and safe manner.  If you have any questions call his office in Winston Salem.