Some “F” Words For Type 2 Diabetes

5 good "F-words" for type 2 diabetes 

There are nearly 30 million people in the United States with diabetes, and of these, 90% have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disease of insulin resistance and decreased insulin utilization. At the time of diagnosis, there may be some choice words that come to your mind. However, here are five “F” words that I would like you to consider as you march into the battle of your life. Don't worry this article is SFW. 

Food

One of the first things that come to mind when one is diagnosed with diabetes is that you cannot eat the things that you like. You may have heard advice saying, “If it tastes good, spit it out”. However, this is not true. Food is not the enemy. If eaten in the right amounts at the right time of day it can be your friend. Contrary to what you may have heard there is no such thing as a “diabetic diet”. People with diabetes can eat the same foods as anyone else. Do they need to make some adjustments? Absolutely. Intake of high-sugar desserts, like cakes, pies, cookies, ice cream, etc. will need to be modified, but no food are 'F'orbidden. Learn the appropriate amounts of carbohydrates/food for your age, weight, blood sugar goals, etc. Meeting with a dietician may prove to be beneficial.

Fitness 

Who has time to add exercise into an already packed schedule? You will need to make the time. The recommendations are for 150 minutes of exercise a week. Think of exercise as simply moving your body through space. You don’t have to be at the gym 3-5 days a week on the treadmill or the elliptical. So climb those stairs, take that furthest parking spot, clean the house, do a little dancing. It all counts.

Formulary

Medication is the third rung on the ladder heading toward diabetes control/management. Metformin continues to be the primary medication in the type 2 diabetes fight, but it is only one in a long list of medicinal weapons in our arsenal. Because T2DM is a disease that involves many organs—pancreas, liver, fat cells, kidneys, etc. you will need to work with your healthcare provider to determine which medications are right for you.

Feelings

The diagnosis of diabetes may cause any number of feelings to arise. Fear, anxiety, dread, hopelessness, embarrassment, etc. However, it is what you do with these feelings that matters. You can use them to make changes that lead to a measure of happiness. Attending a Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) class may help provide you with some 'F'acts about how to do this.

Future

Despite the diagnosis of diabetes, the future is what you make it. There are thousands of people living well with diabetes and you can join that number. Focus on the future, find out how food, fitness and the formulary impact your blood sugar numbers, embrace your feelings and move forward.

Be well!!