Type 2 Diabetes
T2D: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition where the body cannot regulate normal blood sugar levels. Fasting blood sugar (glucose) levels range from 70 to 100 mg/dl. When fasting glucose levels are between 100 and 125 mg/dl, lifestyle changes & monitoring (glycemic monitoring) are necessary to re-establish healthy glucose levels. Glucose is used as fuel & gives cells energy to function. Glucose levels rise when: 1) the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin &/or 2) too much saturated fat & refined/processed carbohydrates are eaten. T2D is a serious diagnosis that requires the help of a healthcare team & lifestyle changes (nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, relaxation, etc.).
T2D, because: The primary causes of T2D are unhealthy meals, inactivity, obesity & genetics. Even those with a family history of diabetes can lower risk factors by improving nutrition, activity level & achieving/maintaining a healthy body weight. Meals containing too much saturated fats (meats, dairy, etc.) & too much refined/processed carbohydrates (sugar, white flour, etc.) are associated with the development of T2D & obesity. Excess saturated fat blocks insulin cell receptors which make it difficult for cells to access the needed glucose to fuel its functions. When the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to help with the higher than normal blood glucose levels, the liver converts the excess glucose into fat which is stored throughout the body.
Long-Term T2D: Long-term T2D can cause heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems & circulatory issues. These chronic (life-long) diagnoses might not be discovered until after bodily inury has occurred. Long-term T2D requires daily monitoring, medication management, regular medical check-ups and lifestyle changes. As T2D is almost always preventable & reversible, work with your doctor, registered dietician & diabetes team (nurse educator, physical trainer, smoking/alcohol cessation coaches, etc) to maximize your body’s healing ability to rid yourself from this disease.
T2D, Slow To Know: T2D develops slowly & you might not even know it. The easiest way to find out is to have a fasting blood glucose & A1C blood test. Some T2D symptoms are increase in thirst, more frequent urination, increase hunger, weight changes, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing sores, frequent infections, numbness/tingling in hands or feet and darkened skin areas (armpits & neck). Knowing your family history related to diabetes can help you to be more proactive. Don’t be slow to know. Find out your fasting glucose & A1C blood levels and don’t let T2D take you by surprise.
T2D Nutrition Education: We all need to make healthy meal choices, but it’s critical for pre-diabetics & diabetics to make the right choice all the time. A registered dietician can help to create a menu of meals based on individual needs & preferences. Food choices that help control food sugar levels, weight loss & overall health are crucial. Work with your health care team and explore how plant-forward meals can help restore your health. Mediterranean, DASH & Whole Food Plant Based nutrition emphasize fruits, vegetable, legumes, whole grains, nuts & seeds. They are also rich in fiber, antioxidants and low in saturated fats & processed foods. Read, learn & eat your way better health.
Saturated Whats?!: When thinking about diabetes, most people think about avoiding carbohydrates & sugar. But, the biggest T2D culprit is saturated fat. Red meat, poultry, butter, cheese & many processed foods contain saturated fats. Saturated fats contribute to insulin resistance & inflammation. Consuming frequent high levels of saturated fat is associated with obesity & metabolic syndrome which are precursors to diabetes. Lower your risk of being diagnosed with pre-T2D/T2D by lowering your saturated fat intake.