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Overcoming Diabetes: Your Road to Better Health


 

Table of Contents


 

What is Type 2 Diabetes?


Type 2 Diabetes, once known as adult-onset diabetes, is a condition in which the body is unable to properly regulate and control the use of sugar contained within our blood. 


The pancreas, which is primarily responsible for producing insulin, a hormone which manages the movement of glucose in our cells, is unable to produce enough insulin when diagnosed with the condition.


Additionally, our body cells will begin to react with insulin poorly, receiving less of the necessary sugar required for energy and growth. As a result, a buildup of unabsorbed glucose will form in the bloodstream, leading to higher blood sugar levels.


Common symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes include:


  • Frequent fatigue

  • Increased appetite

  • Blurry vision

  • Frequent thirst


Furthermore, an increase in blood sugar levels can lead to more complications regarding the nervous, immune, and circulatory systems. Physical inactivity, or being overweight, are the most significant risk factors that can cause the development of this condition.


However, while encountering many challenges and obstacles, countless individuals who are diagnosed with this variation of diabetes are able to live long, happy, and healthy lives with the help of community, and proper management over their condition.


Type 2 diabetes does NOT have to control the quality of your life, with many available treatment methods accessible for everyone. 


Reference: Mayo Clinic


 

Stories of Triumph and Success


From time-to-time, we can all feel discouraged when facing a difficult challenge. That’s why recognizing the real-life stories of others overcoming this identical hardship reminds us that we can tackle ANYTHING! 


Discovering the stories of these brilliant and resilient individuals will inform you that there is nothing you can’t overcome. Explore their stories below!










 

What Can Be Done to Manage Type 2 Diabetes?


Managing the symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be challenging, but by establishing the lifestyle tips listed below, you can begin to create a lasting impact that can lessen or improve the effects of the condition.


  1. Eating healthy - When it comes to creating a diet meant to combat diabetes, there are many factors to center your meals around, which include:


  • Consuming fruits, vegetables, or grains with vast amounts of fiber.

  • Eating less food and reduced meal portions.

  • Managing a lower amount of daily calories.

  • Using healthier cooking oil alternatives, such as canola oil.

  • Lesser amounts of sweets and sugar dense foods.


  1. Daily exercise - Exercise is such a significant factor for reducing weight and regulating blood sugar to normal levels. Make sure to consult with a medical professional about exercise programs, as each individual is different.


  • Resistance training, better known as yoga and calisthenics, increases one’s strength to perform daily activities. Adults are advised to 30 minutes of physical activity everyday, with 2-3 sessions of resistance training every week.


  • Aerobics, such as walking or swimming are a great source of cardio. They are great for losing weight and building endurance. Adults are recommended 2-4 days per week dedicated to such activities


  1. Weight loss - Losing weight is associated with balanced blood sugar and blood pressure levels. The more weight you lose, the more likely our blood sugar will naturally balance out and return to healthier ranges.


  2. Refrain from smoking - Besides being a critical risk factor for life-threatening conditions such as lung cancer, smoking has also been directly linked to increasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. On top of that, it also temporarily increases blood sugar levels, dangerous to diagnosed patients as well.


  1. Get regular checkups - Diabetes can affect the circulatory and nervous system, which is why it is crucial to receive semi annual evaluations for heart problems, increases in blood pressure and sugar levels, and nerve damage through a foot doctor.




 

Tips for Caregivers


As a caregiver, taking care of an individual with type 2 diabetes can be confusing and difficult. However, with the tips provided below, you can begin to create a space of understanding, comfort, and trust amongst your patient, and yourself.


Understanding Type 2 Diabetes - Remember, diabetes is a lifelong condition which needs familiarity with symptoms in order to best understand when a patient might have spiking blood sugar levels. Symptoms and signs consist of:

  • Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet

  • Extreme Fatigue

  • Blurry Vision

  • Sores or cuts taking long periods of time to heal



Proper practical care - Tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking meals, or even cleaning the house can be challenging for someone who has type 2 diabetes. Some patients may turn to you for help with tasks such as these, and it’s important to empathize with them.


You can go on walks together, or accompany them on days when they need someone to talk to. Additionally, carefully selecting their meals and targeting the necessary nutrients to improve sugar levels can be another way to develop trust with your patient.



Offer emotional support - Getting used to living with a disease such as diabetes can be a massive toll for many individuals. There are many limitations involved with having energy or motivation when undergoing any symptoms of the condition. 


However, It’s crucial to be a positive voice for your patient. Allow them to voice their concerns or feelings with you. Be a good listener who tries to be a source of positivity and strength in times of frustration. 


Providing resources or support groups are a great way for them to feel engaged and relate with others who may be encountering similar experiences. It creates an environment where you can be understood, which, in the long-term will form a better future.



Learning further risks - Heart conditions are possible long-term diseases which can arise from having diabetes. To lower the risks of heart problems for your patient, establishing these 4 tips can create a healthier, and risk-free environment.


  • Regularly performing A1C tests to analyze blood sugar

  • Ensuring that blood pressure levels are within suggested range from the doctor

  • Being aware of cholesterol consumption

  • No smoking for any patients


References: Verywell Health, AARP




 

Support Groups to Engage With Today


TDCC is a program developed by the South Riverdale Community Health Centre. They aim to provide free access to diabetic related care around Toronto. They also help redirect individuals to other resources that cater to their own personal needs. 


This can include education programs for teenagers diagnosed with diabetes, websites that introduce awareness to preventing diabetes at any age, or screenings for early diagnosis of the condition.


They have numerous resources meant to best aid people who are confused or anxious about their condition. With many teams who are familiar and experienced in the field of diabetes, it’s ensuring everyone is in good hands!



Life Medicine is a group which aims to support individuals with diabetes, and make sure individuals learn everything necessary with managing the condition. It’s freely accessible to any adult with an OHIP card, which include weekly sessions covering lifestyle changes, specially tailored to each person.


The group tries to include a hands-on experience which prevents lecturing and targets to support everyone to the best of their ability. On top of that, their team consists of medical professionals and a team of staff experienced in the field of diabetes.



If the following support groups or websites can’t provide sufficient support for you, searching the following term, “Diabetes Support Groups in (City Name)” into any search engine will present a handful of helpful groups and resources.


Feel free to reach out to as many resources you need. It’s easy to forget that you’re not alone, and by searching for a community that you can relate to, can ease any concerns or frustrations you are feeling.



 

Resources


Websites:


Diabetes Canada - Nationwide Research and Tools

Diabetes Canada’s website has every resource you could ever need! Firstly, they have an arrangement of easily accessible tabs which open a wide selection of options. This could be learning anything about diabetes, how to manage it, and success stories contributed by real people facing the same obstacle.


Secondly, they have a variety of recipes, meal plans, and exercises that are optimal for staying fit, while reducing the severity of your symptoms. 


There are many opportunities to get involved. Volunteering positions are open frequently, or you can choose to publish a personal work contributing to the success of diabetes research and to the individuals who have the condition.


Their Diabetes Support Line


Phone #: 1-800-226-8464

E-Mail Address: info@diabetes.ca


Their Donor Services


E-Mail Address: donation@diabetes.ca



World Diabetes Foundation - International Resources

The World Diabetes Foundation is an organization which prioritizes its vision towards providing aid for diabetes in third world countries. They strive to support poverty-ridden nations to offer their people equal opportunity and care. They host regular fundraising events and projects in countries all over the world.




Books (Meal Planning and Advice):


  • The Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally by Dr. Jason Fung


  • Reverse Your Diabetes: The Step-by-Step Plan to Take Control of Type 2 Diabetes by Dr. David Cavan


  • Kick Diabetes Cookbook by Brenda Davis


  • Take Charge of Type 2 Diabetes: Successfully Solve Your Diabetes Puzzle by Jane Giambrone



Podcasts: 




There are thousands of additional resources available online for free! 


If you are searching for books, podcasts, or a community that can support you, there are many opportunities to be connected with people that understand what you are going through. It’s time to overcome diabetes TODAY!






 

Reference


Blubrry Podcasting. (n.d.). Diabetes Canada healthcare huddle. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://blubrry.com/diabeteshealthcarehuddle


Diabetes Canada. (n.d.). Diabetes Canada. DiabetesCanadaWebsite. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.diabetes.ca/


DiLonardo, M. J. (2012, May 22). 6 lifestyle changes to help control your diabetes. WebMD. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-lifestyle-tips


Freedom from Diabetes. (2019, November 12). Diabetes Reversal Success story of V Jayaraman [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC77iMC-Xpc


Gulf News. (2022, July 22). I reversed diabetes in 5 months, after taking medications for 8 years [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUBlrgYJycE


Life Medicine. (n.d.). Diabetes group. Retrieved August 30, 2024, from https://www.lifemedicine.ca/diabetesgroup


Martin, C. (2022, September 2). Caring for a loved one with diabetes. Verywell Health. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/caring-for-a-diabetes-patient-6385643


Mayo Clinic. (2023, March 14). Type 2 diabetes - Symptoms and causes. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193


Mayo Clinic. (2023, March 14). Type 2 diabetes - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351199


Painter, K. (2024, February 12). How to be a caregiver for someone with diabetes. AARP. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2024/diabetes-caregiver.html


Toronto Diabetes Care Connect. (n.d.). Diabetes support. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.torontodiabetesreferral.com/program-category/diabetes-management/


UMass Chan Medical School. (2022, December 29). Lowering his A1C with the help of diabetes coaching. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.umassmed.edu/dcoe/diabetes-care/success-stories/2022/06/michael-orourke/


UMass Chan Medical School. (2022, September 21). Type 2 diabetes success story: Teresa Harackiewicz. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.umassmed.edu/dcoe/diabetes-care/success-stories/2018/June/teresa-harackiewicz/


University of Maryland Medical System. (n.d.). The live greater podcast. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.umms.org/podcast?segitem=63626-managing-type-2-diabetes-the-healthy-way


West, M. (n.d.). Controlling type 2 diabetes: With and without medication. MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-control-type-2-diabetes


World Diabetes Foundation. (n.d.). World Diabetes Foundation: A Global Funder of Diabetes Prevention and Care. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.worlddiabetesfoundation.org/

 
 
 

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