Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Type 2 diabetes symptoms include vision problems, abnormal fatigue, constant thirst, loss of weight and urinary problems. Many people have early signs of the illness, but are not aware of the serious implications until the illness is full blown. A proper type 2 diabetes treatment plan can allow people to live normal, healthy lives free of complications and unmanageable problems. This type of diabetes is more common and generally hits people around middle age. It is more prevalent among African Americans, Latinos and Asian races although many Caucasians can manifest with the illness, particularly in later life. Treatments can include diet management, exercise and weight loss or more extensive treatments such as medications and insulin injections.
The most important thing for anyone diagnosed with the illness is getting it under control before damage occurs to their organs. Many times the eyes, kidneys, liver and heart can be damaged by the lack of normal insulin levels in the body and it is imperative to find the best way to manage the problem as early as possible. Those who suspect that they have type 2 diabetes symptoms would do well to get tested as soon as possible in order to avoid permanent organ damage. Many people that do not manifest with the illness earlier in life develop problems as they become more sedentary, gain weight and eat poorly. Some patients can reverse the problems simply by changing lifestyles with a disciplined approach to health. "He that hath no rule over his spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." (Proverbs 25:28)
Weight loss is a key factor in prevention as well and most people can significantly lower their risks for the disease by losing a few pounds. For those who have already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes symptoms, losing some weight may make it possible to control totally through diet without having to resort to insulin injections. Doctors that treat this illness can recommend a dietitian or health management specialist that can set up a type 2 diabetes treatment plan. Sometimes the hardest part for many people, however, is the self discipline it takes to change old habits after years of eating poorly. Patients who carefully follow a managed diet plan may find that they will not need further treatments of any sort and can live a normal life without becoming dependent on artificial insulin.
Some of the issues that patients must address when entering a diet management program include caloric intake, sugar consumption and fat removal from daily meals. When most people hear about type 2 diabetes symptoms, their immediate assumption is that all sugars must be restricted from a general diet. This is far from true as any professional dietitian will advise for those dealing with the illness. The general rule about sugar is to eat it in moderation in combination with lower carbohydrate levels. For instance, if a patient eats a piece of cake, he or she may need to cut down on the baked potato for that evening's meal. Eating too much sugar or carbohydrates can send the blood glucose level up too high, so balancing the intake through a type 2 diabetes treatment plan is important. Patients can still enjoy some treats that are made with sugar, but must be aware of the bread, corn and potatoes that they consume within the same day.
Fats are another concern for diabetics who are attempting to control problems associated with the disease. There are some fats that are acceptable to consume while others are problematic for those who must follow a type 2 treatment plan for good health. Diabetics will need to develop an eating strategy that excludes foods with high fat content in lieu of those that are low fat. Making this healthy change can be easy with all of the low fat alternatives at most grocery stores. Some types of cooking oils are fine to eat as well while others are unhealthy. Monounsaturated fats that are found in olive oil are best used on a diabetic diet. Diabetics can easily find alternatives to just about any food that must be nixed while enjoying better health as a result. The difficulty for many patients comes with the change of attitude and lifestyle that is necessary to attack type 2 diabetes symptoms.
Since almost everyone that is diagnosed as diabetic is overweight, losing weight has proven to be a significant factor in restoring balance to the bodies' insulin function. Another part of a good type 2 diabetes treatment plan will include a consistent regimen of exercise. Even the addition of walking can help in losing weight and providing balance to body functions. A more rigorous exercise plan such as running, aerobic exercise or swimming can be extremely helpful in dealing with the problems associated with the disease. Making a lifestyle change from being sedentary to being active can be difficult, but will prove worth the shift in lifestyle. Those who are disciplined and willing to permanently change their eating habits and exercise preferences will see a major change in their overall health condition.
Treatments For DiabetesTreatments for diabetes include management of blood sugar levels by eating properly and using medication or insulin as prescribed. Type I diabetes is treated with daily insulin shots and a diet that is favorable for keeping blood sugar levels even. The treatment of diabetes for Type II is usually controlled by diet and prescribed medication if needed. Again, the main goal is to keep blood glucose levels under control. High levels of sugar in the blood can result in damage to the body and can lead to coma if extremely high. Losing weight can help to control the disease since studies have shown that losing weight may help the pancreas to produce more insulin and helps the body to use insulin more effectively. Blood glucose levels should be checked frequently to determine effectiveness of insulin, medication, and diet.
When a person is first diagnosed with diabetes there may be a period of time that experimentation is necessary to see what works to manage glucose levels for optimum treatments for diabetes. Checking sugar levels frequently is important and it is recommended that the individual keep a log of sugar levels throughout the day. Some physicians recommend maintaining even levels throughout the day by eating 5 times per day. Some symptoms that might indicate glucose is too high include being nauseated, feeling tired all of the time, experiencing excessive thirst, having a hard time breathing, and feeling confused. Other symptoms associated with the disease are frequent urination, extreme hunger, blurry vision, and unusual weight loss. Experiencing any of these symptoms should be checked out by a physician.
One of the main concerns with being diagnosed with the disease is the chance of it leading to heart disease or stroke. Treatments for diabetes will help to keep blood glucose levels desirable with less chance of developing complications. Making wise food choices will help to minimize risks and will also help one to lose weight. Losing excess pounds can make a big difference in managing the disease and may even provide such promising results, so that medication may not have to be prescribed. Eat less saturated fat and choose lean meats and low fat or fat free dairy products. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables everyday and cut back on foods high in cholesterol. Choosing olive oil or canola oil are healthy choices and eating foods high in fiber will be beneficial. Cut back on salt and instead of frying, choose baking, roasting, or grilling when preparing meat.
Exercise is important for the individual who has been diagnosed with the disease. A daily exercise program will help to keep blood glucose levels optimal and will also help with weight loss. Being physically active helps to combat stress and depression associated with the disease. Maintaining an exercise program will also help keep heart disease at bay as well as other serious illnesses associated with the disease. Treatment of diabetes might also include cutting down and eventually stopping the consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking. Both of these can contribute to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, and smoking restricts arteries and can raise blood pressure. Along with physical exercise start doing some spiritual exercises to help with managing the disorder. Daily scripture reading provides encouragement and joining a church support group may also provide some encouragement as well. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7).
Life threatening complications with diabetes include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, dental disease, complications of pregnancy, and can lead to amputations due to circulatory problems. A person may be considered at risk if over age 45, overweight, has a family history of diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. Have a physician check blood glucose levels after fasting at least once per year. There are also glucose tolerance testing that can be done to check glucose levels in different intervals. These tests involve drinking a sugary substance and then being retested at different times, usually starting at two hours and then 30 minute intervals thereafter. The purpose of this test is to see how insulin levels are working within the body. In most cases glucose levels should be back to normal after two hours of drinking the sugary substance or eating a meal. This test may help to diagnose someone who has pre-diabetes allowing them to begin treatment before any damage has been done by the disease. Treatment of diabetes for pre-diabetes will usually consist of losing weight, exercise, eating properly and in some cases taking oral medications.
Depression is common with people suffering with the disease and should be taken into consideration concerning treatments for diabetes. Feelings of depression may manifest through the daily stress associated with the disorder especially if treatment of diabetes aren't successful and blood glucose levels are staying higher than they should. When blood glucose levels are high it is common to feel confused and disoriented and that makes it hard to concentrate. Concentration may be needed in managing the disorder so it may be very difficult to deal with the symptoms and the management of the disease at the same time. Pray and ask God for help and guidance. His word gives us many wonderful promises that we can hold onto in times of sickness. Talk to a Christian counselor and learn how to use biblical principles to help in dealing with the struggles in life.