Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and accounts for over 90 percent of all cases. This is a disease in which the body does not make or properly use insulin, which is a hormone that helps convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Type 2 starts as insulin resistance, which occurs when the cells do not use insulin the way they should. As the body needs more and more insulin, the pancreas usually stops producing it. The cause is not yet known but genetics and environmental factors such as being overweight and having a sedentary lifestyle are believed to play a role. A type 2 diabetes self management plan is a major component of fighting this disease.
Type 2 diabetes self management programs offer knowledge about the disease and educate the patient about how to ward off complications. Diet modification, exercise plans, glucose monitoring, and insulin self-injection are taught in these classes. The patient is taught how to monitor glucose, modify their diets, develop exercise regimens, how to self-inject insulin and much more to aid in the battle with diabetes.Daily injections of insulin by syringe is for some the most difficult part of type 2 diabetes self management. A medical device called an insulin pump is a good alternative. This small battery operated pump, worn on the waist, has a reservoir that contains insulin which is automatically injected into the body by way of a catheter imbedded under the skin. The pump is easily detached for bathing or showering and is easily adjustable when insulin doses need to be changed.
Important for a type 2 diabetes self management plan are proper eating habits, regular exercise and controlling weight. According to the American Diabetes Association nine out of every 10 people are at some level of obesity at the time of diagnosis.
Control of blood sugar is the key in the avoiding the complications of type 2 diabetes. When those with diabetes can do this, they are more likely to feel better and maintain their health. Two kinds of management devices are used. Blood glucose meters and other diabetes management tests. Glucose meters aid in checking blood sugar at home, school, work, or wherever they may be. Additional urine and blood tests show changes in diabetes management and help signal complications.
Type 2 diabetes self management includes eating a well-balanced diet combined with exercise, and a healthy weight. This can help balance your blood sugar level. Contrary to popular belief, having diabetes doesn't mean that you have to follow a complicated diet plan and give up eating your favorite foods. The key word is moderation. For most people, it means eating a variety of foods in moderate amounts and eating at about the same time every day and choosing a diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Exercise can help control your weight and lower your blood sugar. It also decreases your risk of heart disease, a condition that is common in those who have diabetes. Exercise can also make you healthier in general and improve your outlook. Type 2 diabetes self management programs have exercise professionals who can assist in creating a plan that's suited to each patient's needs.
It may sound strange but developing diabetes has actually helped some people become healthier. By sticking to their self management plan they are no longer obese, enjoy the many health benefits of exercise and eat a healthy diet. Type 2 diabetes self management is largely about doing many of the things that we all should be doing anyway. So let's do it.
