Itz Holistically Wholesome

Hey you all, today I want to talk about type II diabetes. I currently work in healthcare, and I have seen firsthand how diabetes has affected people. I have seen patients admitted into the hospital with diabetes type 2, leading to a host of other health issues. Whether you know someone personally or not, it is never easy to watch as they lose one limb at a time and eventually their life when there is so much that can be done to manage, prevent or reduce the risk of having diabetes. Consequently, I chose to use this platform as one way of raising awareness.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Type 2 Diabetes is “an impairment in how the body regulates and uses sugar (glucose) as a fuel.” When we eat food, complex carbohydrate is broken down into simple sugar most of which is glucose or blood sugar. It then enters the bloodstream. The body requires glucose for energy, and any excess amount is stored in the liver and muscles. Our pancreas produces insulin responsible for ushering glucose from the blood in the cells to be stored as energy. When someone has diabetes type 2, it fails to do its work, resulting in excess built-up of glucose in the bloodstream. Diabetes is a long-term chronic condition that results when there is too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream. Disrupted glucose metabolism can lead to other long-term health risks such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, amputation, dental disease, and death. This type of disease is becoming very prevalent and is the most common type of diabetes. Consequently, more awareness needs for them to know just how important prevention is, especially if they are at increased risk.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that a person is at risk of getting Type II Diabetes if:

You are overweight
You are 45 years or older. Our risk increases as we get older. However, more and more children, adolescents, and young adults are getting diabetes.
Have a family member with diabetes (parent, brother, sister)
Not physically active
You had gestational diabetes while pregnant
Have prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose)

Diabetes is said to be more common among African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, or Alaska Native. Some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are also at higher risk.

A person with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may also be at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease, and ALL lifestyle diseases are reversible. I once heard a man said that if he wished any disease upon humanity, it would be type 2 diabetes because it is easy to reverse. Making a few lifestyle changes can prevent or reduce the risk of having type 2 diabetes. For example eating more healthfully; a diet rich in whole food, fruits, and vegetables will reduce the risk of getting diabetes). Becoming physically active by exercising for at least three days. Thirty (30) minutes of moderate activity like brisk walking can make a big difference. If overweight, losing a few pounds can be beneficial. If you are overweight and plan to get pregnant, losing some weight will help prevent gestational diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes does not have to be a death sentence. We should not accept that because it has been in our families for generations, it is something that we cannot avoid. All it takes is getting informed (know the facts), make a few lifestyle changes, and better choices for you and your family.

Let us change the course of our lives today because together, we can do so much.

Blessings.