By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

 Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - Stop Pre-Diabetes

In order to stop pre-Diabetes, you need to know what it is first. Pre-diabetes is a diagnosis given by doctors to people who have elevated levels of blood glucose but do not reach the point of a diabetes diagnosis. Since diabetes is a progressive disease, in its very earliest stages of development, blood glucose levels begin to build. However, it may take years before full-blown diabetes develops. A diagnosis of pre-Diabetes is actually a good thing. For many people, it is a wakeup call to start taking preventative measures to hold off the development of type 2 diabetes. It is also a wakeup call to prevent the other medical complications that accompany diabetes.

How do you stop pre-diabetes?  In some people, stopping pre-diabetes is currently impossible. In a lucky few, stopping pre-Diabetes is actually possible. The outcome depends on the patient’s overall health and other factors. The good news is that taking preventative steps early will benefit even those that later develop full diabetes. Most experts recommend making moderate steps in order to slow down or reverse the progression of pre-diabetes. Their recommendations include losing five to ten percent of your body weight and exercising 30 minutes a day, five days each week. Those may sound very modest, but they can have a large impact.

Those modest changes give most people a fighting chance to slow down or diminish the progression. However, more radical changes ups the chances of stopping pre-diabetes. Getting down to your ideal weight is a major factor. Upping physical exertion is another. As the body gets back into normal active range, the amount of insulin resistance often diminishes. That means that blood glucose levels begin to normalize. Even if the amount of insulin resistance only goes down a bit, it is still progress in the right direction. With diabetes, getting out of the danger zone is a good thing.

Another aspect of pre-Diabetes is getting regular blood work done. Most people do not need a test for diabetes every year. Once they get a diagnosis of pre-diabetes, however, it becomes imperative. At least once a year, get a diabetes test to see if the disease is progressing or if you have made headway to delaying it. Monitoring this regularly gives you the information on what other steps you may need to take. Pre-diabetes brings increased risk of heart disease with it. Therefore, getting this condition under control not only will prevent Diabetes, but other issues as well.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

 Diabetes Type 2 Blood Sugar

Type 2 Diabetes - When to Measure Your Blood sugar

Each patient with type 2 diabetes will have a different time schedule they need to measure their blood sugar. The first step is learning how your body reacts to physical activity and eating. It requires building something known as a blood glucose profile. You take a blood sugar reading after regular activities such as eating breakfast, going for a morning walk, or taking an afternoon nap. After a few days, you will start to see a pattern emerge that shows what effects your blood sugar levels. For some it may be eating breakfast triggers a glucose spike. For others it may be that morning walk triggers a dramatic drop in their glucose levels.

When should you measure your blood sugar levels? When someone with Type 2 Diabetes uses insulin, the general rule of thumb is to monitor blood glucose levels before every meal. For those using oral medications or managing it without medication, it’s okay to measure blood glucose less often. Many patients only do it once or twice a week or when needed. Experts advise most patients do a full day of measurements at least once a month to monitor for any abnormalities. If you feel unwell or feel your glucose levels may be off, take a glucose reading to see what the situation looks like.

Each person with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes will need to learn their own patterns. Once you have a blood profile and do a few readings, you will learn how things feel when blood sugar levels are too high or too low. The first signs of a spike or plummet will be physical symptoms. Once you recognize the symptoms, you will know when you need to take a measurement. The people normally around you also need to become aware of the signs. Sometimes a spike or plummet can come on quickly. Others may see external symptoms before you notice them.

You have a wide selection of monitoring tools available today. Many patients must select from a small set if their insurance (in the USA) is paying. However, the technologies have improved greatly over the past few years. A couple of decades ago you might have needed a large drop of blood. Now it only requires a speck of blood. Many monitors will store the results for several readings to allow you to review your recent history. Some even hook up and download to your computer. Monitoring your blood sugar is a matter of good health and poor.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

 Type 2 Diabetes Information

Type 2 Diabetes - Worldwide Epidemic

Many experts look at type 2 Diabetes as a Western problem. However, the increasing number of people in third world countries developing diabetes is challenging that assumption. The number of people afflicted with this disease is approaching the 300 million mark around the world. Two decades ago, that figure was about 30 million. This rapid and startling increase shows that diabetes is becoming an epidemic of global proportions. Most epidemics come by virus or bacteria. However, this one is a factor of lifestyle changes and genetic factors.

Eighty percent of diabetes cases lay within developing nations. Almost 6% of the world’s adult population has this disease. North America, the Middle East, and the Eastern Mediterranean have the highest percentages of adults with diabetes. India has the largest number of people in their population with diabetes at over 40 million. China is not far behind and neither is the United States. Other countries with developing problems include Russia, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Pakistan, Mexico, and Egypt. This disease seems commonplace among both developed and developing countries. Unfortunately, it claims at least 4 million people each year. That figure may be higher when you add in undiagnosed cases.

Why is type 2 Diabetes becoming a global problem? There is no one single factor. It involves changes to social and environment factors affecting inbuilt genetic factors. When a population undergoes an economic shift, their diet often changes. It also can affect their physical activity levels. Any gains in weight or changes in Diet can trigger the development of diabetes in some populations with a genetic predisposition towards it. Since many processed foods offer calories at a low cost, they mix into the diet easily in impoverished communities. That is often a trigger for the development and spread of diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes is a silent epidemic. Most epidemics sweep dramatically into a community and begin striking the population down quickly. Diabetes comes in slow and usually under the radar. One or two people develop the disease. Since there are treatments for the disease, it seems benign. Then, a few more people develop the disease. Again, treatment is there so okay. Before you know it, however, it is afflicting a good portion of the population. In addition, it is a killer if not treated properly. Taking the steps to monitor and prevent it in the first place must begin with you. In order to stop this epidemic, it means education is essential.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

 Type 2 Diabetes Info

Type 2 Diabetes - WHO (World Health Organization) Says "Out of Control"

The World Health Organization, also known as WHO, recognizes that type 2 diabetes is a spreading epidemic throughout the world. The epidemic is growing every year and there seems no end to its spread. Diabetes is a chronic condition that happens in two ways: either the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or the body doesn’t use insulin properly. In either case, the amount of blood glucose begins to rise. That rising level of glucose leads to a variety of symptoms that mark Diabetes such as excessive urination and thirst. The worst part is that these symptoms come on gradually, almost silently.

As this diabetes epidemic spreads around the globe, developing countries as well as those already modern see increasing medical costs and the loss of people to disability and death. Costs run into the billions every year. It is also a drain on the work force when normally healthy people fall to this disease. People with Type 2 Diabetes have increased risks for heart disease and stroke. The disease causes nerve damage and may lead to amputation in some cases. Blindness is a common consequence as well. Diabetics require more medical care and may die sooner than their healthy counterparts will.

The most ironic thing is that what seems to be improvements to Diet and lifestyle are actually causing or kicking off this epidemic. Many communities a generation ago lived solely off what they grew and stored. If they had a bad food crop, the coming winter would be harsh. Today processed and packaged foods help get people through the winter months without worrying about running out of food. However, those same foods help bring on diabetes. These foods contain less fiber and more sugars. They also help communities gain weight faster. All of this can lead to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 Diabetes.

The World Health Organization is working around the world to combat Type 2 Diabetes. The first step is education of the medical communities as well as the populations in developing nations. They also provide advice on standards for diabetes care around the world. They are working at the international level to promote awareness of this spreading scourge. They also monitor where diabetes is developing and how fast the epidemic is rising. All of this is in the hopes of slowing down and eventually stopping the spread of this silent killer. It means the life or death of millions around the world.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

 Information About Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - At What Age Do People Get It?

At what age do people develop Type 2 Diabetes? The answer a few decades ago was mainly as older adults. The answer today is anyone at any age can receive a diagnosis. A few decades ago, the Western diet was much healthier. It had more fresh vegetables and fruits in it. Meat didn’t contain all the hormones and other additives. Physical activity levels were also much healthier. People walked more. Many worked on the farm or traveled by bicycle more. Kids played outside more. All of this leads to a healthier body weight and activity level. Well, that is not the reality today.

People are much more sedentary now. They live in front of the television and the computer. Our Diets have changed significantly as well. More and more meals involve packaged and processed foods. The amounts of sweets and unhealthy fats consumed have skyrocketed in that time frame. All of these changes have a direct link to the rising numbers of people with type 2 diabetes. At this point, most patients are adults who have excess weight and lead a sedentary lifestyle. If you are over age 45, your chances of getting a diagnosis increase dramatically. However, the ages of those diagnosed gets younger and younger however.

Children are still more likely to get a diagnosis for type 1 instead of type 2 diabetes. Type 1 goes by the alternate name of juvenile Diabetes for that reason. However, the number of children developing Type 2 Diabetes is growing. Those between 10 and 20 are more likely than children below 10 are. While the number of children and teens with the disease are very minor when compared to adults, the rising numbers do ring alarm bells. Many new cases in these age brackets stem from the increased numbers of overweight and sedentary children.

Age is an important consideration when looking at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Those older than 65 have a much higher chance than those younger do. Those over 45 with excess weight have a much higher chance than those younger or slimmer do. Nevertheless, age is not the only factor to consider. Anyone carrying excess weight has a higher chance than those who are slimmer. Those with a family history has a higher chance that those with a clean family record. As you age, take more care to avoid diabetes. However, monitoring your health is important at any age.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

 Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - It's in Your Family? You Can Beat It

Research shows that there is a genetic link in the development of type 2 Diabetes. However, having a family history of the disease doesn’t mean you will get it. Multiple documented cases of identical twins show where one develops the disease and the other one does not. It appears that the genetics mix with lifestyle issues and that is the trigger for developing diabetes. Many family members develop eating and exercising habits often as a group. If your parents didn’t eat healthy foods, you likely will not. If your parents didn’t exercise regularly, you likely will not. Mix that with a genetic link and you have trouble.

Ethnic background appears to play a role in the genetics as well. In the United States, those of African American, Hispanic, Native American or Pacific Islander descent will have a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. However, it is still a matter of genetics mixing with the wrong lifestyle choices. Everyone has the choice to make changes to their lifestyle in order to prevent the onslaught of this disease. It is a matter of being educated and taking the right steps.

How do you prevent the development of type 2 diabetes? The first factor is revving up your physical activity levels. The more you move the lower your blood glucose drops. Exercise also helps lower insulin resistance. Losing weight is another factor to put into the mix. Even a modest weight drop of 5 to 10% of your body weight will dramatically lower your risk of developing diabetes. Adding the right foods to your diet will also help. Fiber and whole grains help the body to deal with elevated glucose levels. Apples are great since they come with pectin built in. Pectin is a natural insulin regulator. Other fruits and vegetables help as well.

Monitoring your health is another way to prevent the development of Type 2 Diabetes. Let your doctor know about your family’s history with Diabetes. Ask to have regular testing to make sure your glucose levels remain in the normal range. If your doctor detects the rise of glucose levels, he can recommend ways to lower those levels before they become a diagnosis of pre-diabetes or diabetes. The worst thing someone with a family history of diabetes can do is ignore the possibilities. Diabetes sneaks up and can kill silently. Preventing it requires vigilance and making the right choices early enough to do some good.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

 Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - Prevention Is Not Hard

How can you prevent development of Type 2 Diabetes? Many people face the risk of developing this disease every year. If someone in your immediate family has the disease, you have an increased risk of getting this disease. However, that doesn’t mean that you will develop it. The first method for preventing this condition from developing is getting out and moving. Experts recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week. It helps with weight loss and weight maintenance. Physical activity actually brings down levels of blood glucose and it helps break down insulin resistance.

Another method for preventing the development of type 2 diabetes is getting more fiber in your Diet. Fiber is a non-digested part of food that actually helps regulate how fast the body digests food. It also helps with weight control since you feel fuller faster. Research shows that it helps lower the risk for heart disease. Whole grains are another thing to add to your diet to prevent the development of Diabetes. Research shows that in some cases adding whole grains to your Diet lowers blood glucose levels. While no one is sure why, it is a reason to get it into your diet. When looking at the food package, make sure that a whole grain is the first ingredient. If it is not, then skip to the next one.

Losing weight is another way to prevent the development of Type 2 Diabetes. Dropping as little as 5% of your present body weight can have a large impact on your chances of preventing diabetes. When combined with exercise, that small amount of weight loss will drop your chances of developing diabetes by over half. Don’t take the easy route of the fad Diet to lose the weight though. The healthiest way to lose the weight and keep blood sugars on an even keel is by changing your diet in healthy ways. Add more healthy foods to your Diet. Limit the amount of the fats and sweets. Eat smaller portions. All of these help you lose weight without the fad diets.

A sedentary lifestyle combined with excessive weight is a recipe for developing type 2 Diabetes. When you add a family history of it, your chances are astronomical. Taking steps early and quickly will help slow it down or even prevent it. Why take the chance? Make the changes and keep the wolf away.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

 Type 2 Diabetes Sugar

Type 2 Diabetes - What Is Insulin Resistance?

When you start getting information on type 2 diabetes, you will often hear the term insulin resistance bandied about. What exactly does that term mean? This medical term refers to the decreased ability of some body cells to use insulin to convert blood glucose into glycogen. In a normal situation, the body turns carbohydrates into glucose during the digestion process. That glucose travels through the body until a cell picks it up. The cell needs to turn the glucose into a form of energy it can burn, namely glycogen. That is where insulin comes in. The cell grabs insulin out of the blood and uses it to turn glucose into glycogen.

When insulin resistance develops, the cells seem to ignore the insulin in the blood stream. They continue to send signals that they need the insulin. In response, the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas start overproducing insulin. This will help lower levels of glucose for the short term. However, in the long run, the over production of insulin can have negative consequences. One is that the islets of Langerhans cannot keep up the pace of overproduction. This is likely from damage due to the overproduction of insulin or from the overconcentration of glucose. Once the insulin levels drop, the amount of glucose begins to climb. That is when a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes is likely.

Who is likely to develop insulin resistance? Excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle are major factors in developing this resistance. Genetics may also be a part of the picture as well. Nevertheless, don’t be comforted if no one in your family has the disease. Anyone, despite a clean family history, can develop type 2 Diabetes if they carry too much weight or do not exercise enough. Insulin resistance develops without looking into your genetic background. In the past, this resistance developed more in older age. However, more and more people receive a diagnosis at younger ages. The most alarming is in children and teens.

Insulin resistance is reversible in many people before Type 2 Diabetes develops. It requires making the right changes early enough to count. Exercise has a direct link with diminishing the condition. The more you exercise the less insulin resistance is likely. Losing weight also helps reduce the resistance. These changes are the same pre-diabetics and Diabetics need to make. They are smart ones for just about anyone else as well.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

 Diabetes Type 2 Treatment

Type 2 Diabetes - Management with No Medicines

It is possible for many people with Type 2 Diabetes to manage the disease without taking medications. There are three main factors in making this happen. The first is accelerating the amount of physical activity in your life. The next is incorporating a healthy Diet into your life that follows a few diabetic rules. The final factor is getting your excess weight under control. The amount of dedication to these three factors will help put off and even avoid the introduction of medications into the management scheme.

A sedentary lifestyle often contributes significantly to the development of type 2 Diabetes. Research shows that the less someone exercises the more insulin resistance they build up. That leads directly to the diagnosis of diabetes. Even adding a small bit of exercise into your day will help break down that insulin resistance and helps regulate blood glucose levels. Exercise also lowers the risks of complications related to blood pressure and heart disease. Those with diabetes have an elevated risk of problems with those conditions. Exercise also helps boost your mood and motivates more movement throughout the day.

Diet plays a big part in the development of Type 2 Diabetes as well. When you eat foods high in refined carbohydrates, the amount of glucose released into the blood at one time is gigantic. When you combine this with insulin resistance, the combination is nasty. What are the rules for a Diabetic diet? The first is changing your food selections. Eating things high in refined carbohydrates must be limited. Adding fruits and vegetables is a good thing. Another rule is eating the right portion sizes at the right time. Food intake should be steady throughout the day. Eating a huge meal can spoke glucose levels. Each meal should mix carbohydrates with proteins and healthy fats.

As a person’s weight builds, their resistance to insulin also builds. Studies have documented this link between obesity and type 2 Diabetes well. Losing weight is important in getting your diabetes under control. Even lower, your weight by 5 to 10% of your body weight will make a big difference. The more you lose the better off you will be. There is no guarantee that you will be able to manage your diabetes without medications. However, adopting these changes will help anyway. It will help minimize the amount of medications required over the long run. It will also help stave off the nastier complications of diabetes.

By
Dr Michael Hutch
 

 Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - Managing Risk

How can you manage your risk of developing type 2 Diabetes? Many people face an increased risk developing this disease due to family history and lifestyle choices. If someone in your family develops the disease, you are much more likely to get this disease than the general population. Nevertheless, having a risk doesn’t mean you will always develop the disease. You can manage the risk with a few changes in your daily life. Just making a few changes can significantly reduce the chance you get the disease. This includes changes in Diet, exercise, and weight. 

The best diet for someone trying to manage their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes is just about the same as the best Diet for everyone else. It includes limiting the amounts of sweets and unhealthy fats in your diet. It includes adding more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. It includes adding whole grain and fiber as well. Choosing healthy fats over unhealthy fats is important. Most plant-based proteins provide healthy fats. Meat, poultry, and fish are usually guilty of having unhealthy fats. Fiber is also good since it helps regulate how fast the body absorbs food and it provides a fuller feeling faster.

Exercise is important for managing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance appears to increase the more sedentary lifestyle you lead. That reverses when you increase the amount of physical activity in your life. Just adding 30 minutes once a day for five days a week will help you manage your risk. It will also help reverse any insulin resistance already in place. It helps combat heart disease and other conditions that those with diabetes face in higher numbers than the general population.

Exercise and Diet changes will likely lead to losing any excess weight and maintaining an ideal weight. Many people can manage their risk by just losing as little as 5 to 10 percent of their body weight. Even that modest change can significantly lower the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Another part of managing your risk of developing the disease is making sure your doctor is aware of the potential. Regular screening may detect rising glucose levels early. Your doctor can give you a heads up if you need to do more. Remember, Diabetes will come on silently at first. It is important to move now to manage your risk of developing it.

By
Dr Michael Hutch