November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Those who have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, should understand the seriousness of this condition, and that it isn’t a life sentence, but rather can be treated and reversed. The big concern is for those that have not been diagnosed, but have Type 2, or those that are called pre-diabetic, which means that would be borderline or have the conditions that would increase their likelihood of getting Type 2 Diabetes.

Though it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions, there are ways to stop, reverse or reduce your chances of getting Type 2 diabetes or reducing your risk of getting it. Personally I know that I am at a higher risk than others due to my life situation. I will share the following risk factors and how they affect me personally:

Being overweight.
• Being 45 years or older.
• Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes.
• Being physically active less than 3 times a week.
• Ever having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds.
• Being overweight

I don’t know many people that can say they don’t need to lose any weight. I have been a very active person my entire life from playing volley ball, running, rollerblading, tennis, golf, racket ball, swimming and scuba diving. And in the last 10 years of my life, I have noticed that my ability to lose weight has become more and more difficult as I get older. Caring extra weight not only has the potential to increase your risk of Type 2 Diabetes, but it can also have other physical effects on your heart and other organs.
I have mention before about my using proper portions when eating, but also eating healthier is just as important. Still love my pizza, but eating more salads and vegetables has become a bigger part of my diet. Though eating right will help with weight control, it isn’t all that you can do. I have started on our INSupport Weight management product, and also have been taking the Glucose management product for over 6 months now. Between the two I should start seeing some slight changes in my weight.

Being 45 years or older
Unfortunately I have no control over this. And to be honest, it was around 40 that I noticed that things were changing with my body. To start off with, around the time that I turned 40 I realized I needed reading glasses. And I also noticed that my weight was becoming harder to control. We will all get older and that in itself adds risk to our lives. Just like a car, the older it gets the more chances of things breaking down. So prevention is the best solution to age, controlling your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose.
Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
Again, we have no control over this scenario. But it will at least alert us to the possibilities. My grandmother on my mom’s side had Type 2 diabetes, and my mom was diagnosed about 10 years ago. My father’s side of the family had no history at all. And my two other siblings, have not been diagnosed either. So that is in my favor. Also my mother has been on an oral insulin since she was diagnosed, but has been using the INBalance Glucose Management product and has reduced her blood sugar almost to the point of her doctor being able to take her off the insulin. So though it runs in our family, I have no siblings that currently diagnosed, and even my mother might be able to get off the insulin soon. With a healthy lifestyle, I can help break the family chain.

Being physically active less than 3 times a week

Well this is the culprit for me. I look at my age, and my ability to do things like I used to, and the time I have available to do them, and I find this is the one area I am in need of some drastic improvement. Not good if you are so out of shape that you have to take a breather in between tying your two shoes. Though I am not there yet, I know that my lack of exercise has had the most effect on my weight. So what do I do about it? For me it is about scheduling the time to do it. As of November 1st, I have set aside 20 minutes each day to get out and do some sort of exercise. I am no longer big on running, but a brisk walk several times a week has been helpful. I also do more yard work, especially since my son moved out and that responsibility falls on me now. I have also set up my weights again, and spend 3-4 times a week doing some weight lifting. Though I have only lost 2 lbs since I started this, I have found that I am feeling better, and I sleep a lot better as well. This is a personal commitment that we all have to make, and stick to it.

Ever having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds

Finally I am in luck. This is one area that I don’t have to worry about. So I am putting this in my win column even though it isn’t even a factor for me, it’s a win just the same.
No matter what we think, we all need to consider healthier lifestyles. And as we get older, we need to work harder to maintain that lifestyle. But by controlling our weight, eating healthy, and keeping to a routine of regular exercise, we can avoid the risk of Type 2 diabetes, and live a long and healthy life. Have a wonderful month, and a thankful thanksgiving to you and your families.

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