Type 2 Diabetes- Are you at Risk?

Do you think you might be at risk for type 2 diabetes?  No?  Really?  Think again.  More and more women are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and MANY of you might not even know you have it.  If you do have it, it is a big deal…….BUT it is something that you can control and live with and sometimes even reverse.

Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes.  With this particular form, your body is not making enough insulin or the cells may ignore the insulin.  Insulin is a MUST for your body to be able to properly use glucose for energy.  When you eat food, your body breaks down the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic energy source for the body.

When glucose builds up in your blood instead of going to your cells, over time, you can experience problems with kidneys, eyes, nerves, and your heart.

How to tell if you have diabetes (you may have some of these symptoms, or nothing at all):

  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Excessive thirst
  • Blurred vision
  • Being hungrier than usual
  • Feeling very tired
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Itchy, dry skin,
  • Urinary tract infections (or more infections in general)
  • Inability to heal wounds quickly
  • Many times you may not have any symptoms at all.  If you are unsure, check with your doctor who can perform a fasting glucose test.

Factors that Increase chances of Type 2 Diabetes:

 

  • Overweight
  • Age
  • An immediate family member with Type 2
  • Had gestational diabetes or delivered a baby weighing over 9 lbs
  • High blood pressure
  • Being Inactive
  • Cholesterol levels are above normal (especially having lower than 35mg/dl HDL (good cholesterol) or higher than 250 mg triglycerides)
  • History of cardiovascular disease

How do you prevent or reverse Type 2 diabetes?

  • If you are overweight, reach and maintain a healthy body weight/body fat
  • Make wise food choices 99% of the time
  • Be active EVERY SINGLE day! Walk for an hour each day, jog for 30 minutes, or hit the weights
  • Reduce your intake of sodium (less than 2,300 mg each day) and alcohol (1 drink or less)
  • Find a support system who will help you eat healthy and exercise daily
  • Reward yourself when you reach your food/fitness goals
  • Pay attention to portion sizes and eat the recommended amount of calories each day
  • Keep a food and fitness journal

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caroline