There are some misleading statements about type 2 diabetes that you may have heard during your lifetime: “Diabetes runs in our family.” “If you eat too much sugar you’ll get diabetes.” “Diabetes always skips a generation.” The hormone insulin is involved in diabetes and the illness actually includes a variety of diseases associated with this hormone. Research has shown that weight loss does have a positive effect on the disease.
Major Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
If your body is producing insulin and it is regulated properly, you don’t have diabetes. If, your body does not produce enough of the hormone or if your body does not recognize it and doesn’t use it properly, you may have type 2 diabetes. Sugar or glucose builds up in the bloodstream rather than in the cells of your body and it wreaks havoc on different areas of your body. The cells need glucose to function properly and since they are not getting it, or not getting enough of it, they don’t work as they should.
The Prediabetes Warning
Like the two minute warning, when your doctor tells you that you have prediabetes, get prepared; you are essentially on the road to getting type 2 diabetes. Whether you continue on that road depends on what course of action you take, or don’t take. Even though you may have family members with diabetes, you do not necessarily have to get it. You can make some changes to halt the process.
Halting Type 2 Diabetes
The biggest factors in stopping the progress of type 2 diabetes have to do with lifestyle changes. These include your weight, your diet and the amount of exercise you get. When you address these three issues you become healthier and lessen your chances of getting type 2 diabetes.
When you beef up your exercise routine and change your eating habits to healthier choices you are naturally going to lose weight. Obesity plays a significant role in contracting the disease. Losing weight is a major factor in combatting it. Even though there are people of acceptable weight who have diabetes, being overweight is one of the top risk factors.
You can lower your odds of getting type 2 diabetes by taking a medicine called metformin and making a change in your diet and adding exercise to your routine. Research shows, however, the best way to avoid type 2 diabetes is to eat healthy foods and exercise 30 minutes 5 times a week. Working with a dietitian will ensure that you are choosing the proper foods for your body. Going for a brisk walk every day for a half hour will help with your exercise requirements. Lose weight, stay healthy.
DM Clinical Research has ongoing clinical studies to help improve health options. Contact us to find out what studies we are conducting if you would like to be considered for participation.