Type 2 Diabetes
When you are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, it can be quite a shock. I know I have been there. You have your doctor rattling off a whole raft of things you have got to do like;
- constantly measure your blood sugar level which you must keep within a specific range
- have more tests
- medications to take
- got to lose weight
- must exercise
- eat this, can’t eat that
All in all it can be overwhelming. Many people are made to feel like a failure because ‘it is their fault they have got fat’.
This sort of dessert may have caused your diabetes and it will make it worse
Some people have a sense of foreboding due to a possible early death or amputations of limbs.
Many have told me they have a feeling of grief at the loss of their old lifestyle and freedom.
I have seen people who have become depressed which makes it so more difficult to get motivated to make the changes required.
The Flourish Programme has helped many people take control of their diabetes. So why not come and see me for a free Initial Assessment/Consultation
Type 2 Diabetes – the basics
You are still able to make insulin, but your body cells have become ‘resistant’ to it. They do not respond properly anymore. This means that your blood sugar stays high, making the pancreas release more insulin in an attempt to lower it.
The problem is that this does not work so it releases more insulin, you can see that this is a pointless and dangerous cycle. High blood sugar is dangerous enough, but with high insulin it is a real recipe for disaster and disease.
If Type 2 is left untreated it can turn into Type 1, not a good situation at all. But the latest research is proving that Type 2 diabetes is reversible. Yes; you can ‘cure’ yourself. Word of warning it can be controlled very successfully but total reversal is not possible for everyone.
What are the main risk factors for T 2
- Family history of diabetes
- You are quite overweight or obese – especially with belly fat
- Your diet is high in sugar. White bread, pasta and rice all turn into sugar in the body. Sugar is not just sweets, chocolate, cakes, ice cream, etc.
- Significant alcohol intake. All alcohol breaks down into sugar in the body, some drinks also contain high levels of sugar to begin with.
- Not taking exercising daily. Exercise is proven to help reduce high blood sugar levels.
What are the symptoms of T 2
- Tiredness during the day, feeling sleepy – especially after meals
- Still feeling hungry after eating
- Irritability – especially if you have to eat later than normal
- Suddenly developed skin conditions such as psoriasis, Acanthis nigricans or skin tags.
Treatment for diabetes T 2
Medications
You will be put on drugs to increase your own insulin production, the most common being Metformin. Many people are also given medications for conditions
You will need regular blood test until you get your Type 2 diabetes under controlassociated with their diabetes or weight.
The most common one are:
- A statin – to reduce cholesterol levels
- ACE or A2RB Inhibitor to lower blood pressure
- Aspirin to reduce risk of stroke
So let’s quickly run through some of the main diabetes drugs prescribed. There are others and newer ones which are being developed. But many people, me included do not take the medication and are able to control the diabetes very effectively.
Metformin
By far and away the most commonly prescribed Type 2 diabetes drug. It is very good at making tissues more responsive to insulin – so lowers blood sugar levels. There is some evidence that Metformin may also help you weight loss.
The usual dose is 500mg once or twice p/day. Dosages may need to be changed to get it right.
Metformin: possible side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Metallic taste in the mouth
You may also be prescribed one of the following:
Gliciazide
This is a ‘sulphonylureas’. It makes the pancreas release more insulin. The dose is usually 160mg with breakfast or higher doses split this between breakfast and dinner.
Gluciazide side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Headache
- Weight gain – not a good idea really
Glucagon-like peptide receptor antogaonist (GLP1s)
This mimics the effect of a naturally occurring substance called GLP-1 which stimulates the release of insulin. Given by injection.
GLP1s side effects
- Nausea
- Weight loss
The Flourish Programme Way
Exercise for type 2 diabetes control is very effective
The best way to improve and even reverse Type 2 diabetes is through dietary change, weight loss and/or exercise. Type 2 is strongly associated with being fat or obese round your waist. Shift the fat and you will find your diabetes improves or even disappears. It has been proven many times that exercise independently reduces insulin resistance.
We work out a package that suits you it will typically include:
Mind set changes
Building up your self-confidence, self-esteem and motivation. Creating the mind set of:
I have got diabetes but it has not got me
Dietary changes
- similar to the Hypnotic Gastric Band, three fixed meals a day
- portion control
- take away snack and sugar cravings
- take out the alcohol and fizzy or sugary drinks
- which foods to eat and not eat
- take away secret eating, speed eating, etc
These are designed to keep blood sugar low and help you lose weight at a steady rate.
Exercise changes
This does not mean ‘hitting the gym’ but a slow build up of exercise daily activity. It could be a simple walk to the shops to begin with but will over time increase to a level you are happy to maintain.
This will aid lowering blood sugar and weight loss.
Most people will have a session or so of Phase 2 Life Builder sessions.
In a very short space of time you will be able to see and feel significant changes happening in your body and your mind as you take control and defeat Type 2 diabetes.