Diabetes and Quality of Life
They say that you get out of life what you put into it.
However, sometimes something comes along which seems entirely unfair.
Type 2 diabetes can feel like that sometimes.
Given that type 2 diabetes is a resistance to the hormone insulin, the hormone that allows blood sugar to pass into the body's cells for energy, one's initial reaction can be a contemplation of living the rest of one's life on a diet of vegetables and nuts! This is far from the case.
Yes, some eating habits will have to change.
The fact is that most people who contract type 2 diabetes are obese, which implies a diet rich in empty carbohydrates and sugary drinks.
However, what an opportunity to make the change! It can take a little adjustment to cut out the sugary foods, but it certainly does not mean that you can never eat chocolate again.
Mental approach is so important when dealing with diabetes.
There is no cure, so rather than look on it as something devastatingly awful, try and see it as an opportunity to get fit.
Many type 2 diabetics are obese not just because of their diet, but also because of a lack of exercise.
Because they may be a little "wobbly" in some areas of their physical appearance, visiting the local gym may be a step too far.
And this is ok! It has been shown that an extra 20 minutes of gentle exercise, without the need to go to a gym, makes a real difference to their health.
Let me give you an example here.
As a type 2 diabetic, I was obese at diagnosis.
I tired the gym, but it just made me bored and miserable.
Instead, I now walk 2 miles a day, taking my partner to the rail station.
What is interesting is that not only do I feel better and have lost weight, but those mornings when we don't walk, (I live in the UK, so it rains sometimes!), I find my blood glucose is generally 2 mmol/l higher than when I do.
The point is lifestyle in the form of diet has to change, a little exercise has to be taken, but not the draconian gym sort of torture, it can simply be walking an extra 20 minutes a day, and blood glucose levels have to be monitored.
However, I for one feel much better in myself and physically since I've been diagnosed as diabetic and made some small but crucial changes.
Once you make the changes and notice the difference, you'll find you want to do more exercise and those things which make you feel good, and live a relatively normal life.
However, sometimes something comes along which seems entirely unfair.
Type 2 diabetes can feel like that sometimes.
Given that type 2 diabetes is a resistance to the hormone insulin, the hormone that allows blood sugar to pass into the body's cells for energy, one's initial reaction can be a contemplation of living the rest of one's life on a diet of vegetables and nuts! This is far from the case.
Yes, some eating habits will have to change.
The fact is that most people who contract type 2 diabetes are obese, which implies a diet rich in empty carbohydrates and sugary drinks.
However, what an opportunity to make the change! It can take a little adjustment to cut out the sugary foods, but it certainly does not mean that you can never eat chocolate again.
Mental approach is so important when dealing with diabetes.
There is no cure, so rather than look on it as something devastatingly awful, try and see it as an opportunity to get fit.
Many type 2 diabetics are obese not just because of their diet, but also because of a lack of exercise.
Because they may be a little "wobbly" in some areas of their physical appearance, visiting the local gym may be a step too far.
And this is ok! It has been shown that an extra 20 minutes of gentle exercise, without the need to go to a gym, makes a real difference to their health.
Let me give you an example here.
As a type 2 diabetic, I was obese at diagnosis.
I tired the gym, but it just made me bored and miserable.
Instead, I now walk 2 miles a day, taking my partner to the rail station.
What is interesting is that not only do I feel better and have lost weight, but those mornings when we don't walk, (I live in the UK, so it rains sometimes!), I find my blood glucose is generally 2 mmol/l higher than when I do.
The point is lifestyle in the form of diet has to change, a little exercise has to be taken, but not the draconian gym sort of torture, it can simply be walking an extra 20 minutes a day, and blood glucose levels have to be monitored.
However, I for one feel much better in myself and physically since I've been diagnosed as diabetic and made some small but crucial changes.
Once you make the changes and notice the difference, you'll find you want to do more exercise and those things which make you feel good, and live a relatively normal life.
