You can take responsibility for the prevention of type 2 diabetes

Added December 16, 2009, Under: Diets, Diseases, Men's Health, Weight Loss, Women's Health

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In a new study from the University of Sidney in Australia, researchers have found that those who drink 3 or 4 cups of tea or coffee per day reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to a fifth or more.  And the same amount of decaffeinated coffee lowered this risk by a third. So caffeine can be taken out of the equation.  Magnesium and antioxidants could well be the link.

So now we have to weigh up the advantages of drinking several cups of tea or coffee against the disadvantages.  Probably the best route to go is to drink your 3 or 4 cups of decaffeinated coffee or tea or even better remember that Rooibos tea is a healthier way.  You can read more about this great drink in my earlier blog -http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/could-rooibos-tea-prevent-or-slow-down-certain-cancers/. Then of course you have to develop a taste for these beverages without using sugar or artificial sweeteners because neither of these are good for your health.  It is a fine line to tread!

People with type 2 diabetes don’t respond normally to insulin so glucose stays in the blood stream and does not get into the cells.  This causes blood glucose levels to go too high.  Glucose is a sugar that comes from the foods we eat and also is formed and stored inside the body.  It is the main source of energy for the cells of the body, and is carried to each cell through the blood.  Glucose gets into the cells with the help of the hormone insulin.

Sufferers from type 2 diabetes need to change their lifestyle – there is no magic pill you can take to make it go away.  Type 2 diabetics need to:

o    Eat a healthy, balanced diet and follow a meal plan
o    Get regular exercise
o    Check blood sugar levels regularly
o    Research any medicines if prescribed because of often serious side effects

Eating right and exercising more often is good for everyone but its especially important for people with type 2 diabetes because they often have more body fat than they should.  Over time, gaining extra weight can lead to obesity and diseases related to obesity, like type 2 diabetes.

The good news about type 2 diabetes is that if you follow a healthy lifestyle, your blood sugar levels can even return to a healthier range.

Type 2 diabetes usually occurs gradually and most people with the disease are overweight at the time of diagnosis but it can even develop in those who are thin, especially the elderly.  Family history and genetics play a large role in type 2 diabetes.  Low activity level, poor diet and excess body weight (especially around the waist) significantly increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.

The risk factors include:

o    Being over the age of 45
o    HDL cholesterol of less than 35 mg/dL or triglyceride level of greater than 250 mg/dL
o    High blood pressure
o    History of gestational diabetes
o    Previously identified impaired glucose tolerance by your doctor
o    Race/ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans all have high rates of diabetes).

While sometimes type 2 diabetes shows no symptoms at all, the following may occur:

o    Blurred vision
o    Erectile dysfunction
o    Fatigue
o    Frequent or slow to heal infections
o    Increased appetite and/or thirst
o    Increased urination

Other conditions which can develop are yeast infections or Candida as well as the appearance of skin tags.

As I have said before, it is heartening to know that many people with type 2 diabetes find that if they lose weight and increase activity and therefore reach their ideal weight, their own insulin and a careful diet can control their blood glucose levels.

Your health and well being are in your own hands by keeping active and eating a healthy balanced diet that is low in sugar with plenty of fruit and vegetables.