Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

What is type 2 diabetes? 

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or insulin doesn’t work properly in the body. Insulin is required to move glucose from the blood into the cells to be used for energy. When there is not enough insulin, glucose can’t enter the body’s cells and blood glucose rises. In the United States, type 2 diabetes comprises 90-95% of diabetes diagnoses.

What causes type 2 diabetes?

The exact causes of type 2 diabetes are not yet known. There are, however, certain risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes which include:

• Overweight or obesity (body mass index greater than 25)
• Greater than 45 years of age
• Being a member of a high risk ethnic population (African-American, Hispanic/Latino American, Native American, Asian-American and Pacific Islander)
• High blood pressure (greater than 140/90 mm Hg)
• Low HDL cholesterol (less than 35 mg/dl) and high triglyceride level (greater than 250 mg/dl)
• First degree relative with diabetes (mother, father, sibling)
• History of gestational diabetes
• History of giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
• Lack of physical activity
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Vascular disease (any condition that affects your circulatory system such as coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease)

What is the treatment for type 2 diabetes?

Many people with diabetes require a combination of treatment options to help manage their diabetes. The majority of people who develop type 2 diabetes are overweight, making weight loss a vital part of diabetes management. There are many effective treatments for type 2 diabetes including healthy meal planning, physical activity, medications and blood glucose monitoring.

Healthy meal planning
 

• Making healthy choices and eating a well-balanced diet are important for diabetes management.
• If you are overweight, losing as little as 5 to 15 pounds may improve management of type 2 diabetes.
• Fit4D Coaches are registered dietitians specializing in diabetes who can help you develop a meal plan that is personalized, safe, effective and practical in your life.

Physical activity

• The American Diabetes Association recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic activity on most days of the week and strength training 2-3 times per week. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting any activity program.
• Fit4D certified personal trainers, certified diabetes educators and exercise physiologists can help develop an exercise program that is realistic, fun and right for you.

Medications

• There are a variety of medications that are used to treat type 2 diabetes. To find out more about medication therapy for diabetes visit: http://forecast.diabetes.org/magazine/resource-guide/2009-resource-guide.

Blood glucose monitoring
 

• Regular blood glucose monitoring can help you stay in your target range.

How can Fit4D help me manage my type 2 diabetes?

• Motivating, inspiring and coaching you through the day-to-day self care behaviors important in managing diabetes.
• Developing a personalized, effective and realistic nutrition and exercise plan.
• Interpreting blood glucose patterns.

Andrea Conner MPH, RD, CDE, CFT
Fit4D Nutrition and Fitness Coach

References

1. American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org)
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov)