Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder whereby the body cannot use carbohydrates (sugar and starches) properly.

All forms of diabetes result from a lack of effective insulin. Insulin is one of the most important hormones of the body and is produced by the pancreas. It is responsible for dealing with sugar once it has been absorbed into bloodstream from the intestines, and has several other roles in helping to maintain normal body function. Consequently lack of insulin results not only in a build-up of sugar in bloodstream with spillover into the urine, but also several other changes in the body's metabolism.

Type 2 Diabetes

• Occurs mainly in adults- particularly in overweight and inactive persons.
• Insulin is produced but body cells resist its action and glucose cannot enter cells.
• Usually treated with meal planning and physical activity. Sometimes requires medication (pills or insulin) (1)

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

• Control your food intake. Know what and when you will eat. Seek referral to dietitian for expert advice.
• Exercise regularly. It assists weight control and can improve sensitivity of body cells to insulin. Plan physical activity into your daily routine. Performing aerobic exercises such as cycling, jogging, walking briskly and dancing continuously for 20 minutes 3-5 times per week there is considerable benefit for weight management and reducing blood sugar.
• Monitor your blood glucose at home and work with a blood glucose meter. It will help you become familiar with your blood glucose patterns, and the effects of food, activity and medication
• Take insulin or oral medication as prescribes. If on insulin, know what action to take if hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) occurs. Also educate your family and friends.

Reference

1. Sue Rodwell Williams & Eleanor D. Schlenker: Essentials of Nutrition and Diet Therapy.


2. L. Kathleen Mahan & Sylvia Escott-Stump: Food, Nutrition & Diet Therapy.


3. Retrieved October 8th 2009, from American Diabetes Association website.
   http://www.acefitness.org/fitfacts/fitfacts_display.aspx?itemid=29Other Diabetes Medications.
   Location: http://www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes/oral-medications.jsp
   Description:  Other Diabetes Medications, American Diabetes Association.


4. http://www.diabetesnsw.com.au/PDFs/About_Diabetes_PDFs/HealthySnacksFactsheet.pdf


5. Dasman Diabetes Center Kuwait.