Controlling Type II Diabetes

Type II diabetes is not as severe as Type I but should still be closely watched. Your pancreas produces insulin continuously and blood sugar levels increase after eating. Insulin production also increases; it unlocks your cells to absorb more sugar. This provides your body with the added energy and keeps a normal blood sugar level.

Your liver plays a role in keeping your blood sugar level as well. It stores any excess glucose and stores it in your liver until it is needed. In Type II diabetes, your pancreas makes the insulin but your muscles and body tissue becomes resistant to the insulin, or your pancreas doesn’t create enough insulin.

If your cells become resistant to insulin, they refuse the command to open the door for sugar. Why they become resistant is still uncertain. Researchers do know that excess weight, inactivity, and plenty of fat cells are important factors.

Treatment for Type II diabetes varies and some are able to control their diabetes with diet and exercise. Others may need to take medications, but in both cases, changes in your lifestyle and watching your blood sugar is important in treatment. Most Type II diabetics should consider recording their blood sugar level for a set amount of time to find out when your blood sugar levels rise and fall. Then you can decide how many times you will need to test your levels, Some may need testing once a day, or as little as only one time a week.

Several items can affect your blood sugar level. Food will always raise your levels for one to two hours after eating. Exercise and physical activity will lower your blood sugar levels. Aerobic exercise is good, but even simple tasks as cleaning house, gardening, or being on your feet all day will also lower your blood sugar levels.

Medications you take for other medical conditions can have an effect on blood glucose levels as well. Medicines to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and steroids may also raise blood sugar levels. Some high blood pressure medications can change your blood glucose and changes may need to be made to keep your levels evened out.

Illnesses also affect your blood sugar levels. A cold or other illness can raise hormone levels in your body and raise your blood sugar levels. While this does promote healing it can be a problem with someone who has diabetes. A fever can also speed up the metabolism and uses even more glucose and change the amount of insulin your body needs. If you are sick, you should check your levels more frequently.

Small amounts of alcohol can cause your blood sugar levels to fall. However, alcohol can also increase blood sugar levels. If you do drink, then drink in moderation and monitor blood sugar levels both before and after your consumption of any alcohol.

There is no specific diet for diabetes. It also doesn’t mean you have to eat only bland foods. You will need to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, foods low in fat and calories, fewer sweets, and fewer animal proteins.

Consistency is important in diet and keeping your blood sugar level at a constant level. The same amount of carbohydrates and the same portion sizes should be eaten at nearly the same time of each day. It is hard to keep motivated to stay on a specific diet to keep your diabetes under control. Enlist help from family and friends and realize you and your health are worth the effort it takes to stay motivated.

Exercise is important in controlling Type II diabetes. Everyone needs exercise, that is part of a healthy lifestyle. People with diabetes are no exception. The same exercise program that is good for your heart health and keeping your cholesterol low is good for diabetes control. Walking, jogging, hiking, cross-country skiing, and swimming are all great choices of exercise. Start out with a minimum of 30 minutes a day. If you have not been exercising, start out gradually and build up slowly. Listen to your body, start out with stretching, and warm up exercises.

Keep your weight normal; if you are overweight, it’s time to lose weight. Sometimes weight loss is all that is needed to control Type II diabetes.