Being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean that your life is over. Although living with diabetes can be challenging, and demands total discipline, progression must be alleviated.

Generally, when diagnosed it is classified as type 1 or type 2. The impact that both types have on your life is critical, however. The disease affects children and adults alike and can indicate life-threatening results if not treated properly.

The type 1 diabetes, also referred to as juvenile diabetes usually develops in children and young adults. The type 2 diabetic is generally 40 years or older. Commonly known as adult-onset diabetes, it accounts for 90 to 95% of all diagnosed cases in America.

Diabetes involves digested food, the pancreas, insulin, and blood sugar (glucose) levels. The condition develops when the individual’s body no longer produces enough insulin or the insulin is not used productively.

It is the pancreas’ job to produce the insulin using the digested food that is turned into glucose. The insulin builds up in the bloodstream causing high blood sugar (glucose) levels as opposed to helping the body cells convert the glucose into fuel or energy for the body.

Living with diabetes for long periods of time may cause irreversible damage to organs of the body. The high blood sugar levels can damage the eyes, blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys. When these organs are damaged, of course, other medical complications occur.

In most cases, there are genetic and/or environmental factors that trigger the onset of diabetes. The genetic pre- disposition often remains dormant until activated by environmental factors.

Effective diabetic management must become a lifestyle choice not an option. The disease forces you to examine specific life-style habits that most people take for granted. Upon diagnosis, depending upon your type, you may require oral medications or insulin injections.

However, diabetes can be treated, controlled, and cured by implementing healthy life-style changes. Diabetes demands that you practice commitment and discipline. The first line of defense against diabetes is to control its progression.

When treating diabetes, the goal is to keep the blood sugar level as close to normal as possible. An increased blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) is not a safe level. Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) are not safe, either.

The key to living with diabetes is to make a commitment to preventive care and management. First, it is important to identify the symptoms that may occur. When the symptoms persist, it is time to seek the attention of your physician immediately.

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent nausea or vomit
• Deep/faster breathing
• Weak or drowsy
• Lost of significant weight
• Breath smells like fingernail polish
• Trembles or dizziness
• Blurred vision

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be living with diabetes. Once it has been diagnosed, then it’s time to modify your life-style.

Healthy Diet Plan

1. eat meals around the same time daily
2. eat three times a day
3. eat plenty of fiber
4. eat fewer “empty” calories

Exercise

1. helps the body use the insulin for energy more effectively
2. good for the heart, cholesterol levels, blood pressure
3. helps with mental stability- feeling better/less anxious
4. lose weight

Stop Smoking and Excessive Drinking

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