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Treatment for diabetes starts at home. Diabetes is a serious
disease; there is no such thing as a little bit of diabetes or a
minor case of diabetes. And there is no cure; if you have been
diagnosed as having diabetes, you will always have diabetes. There
is good news, however, in that you have the power to control or
manage your diabetes. Once you get your diabetes under control, you
can live a long, happy, normal life.
Changing your eating habits is the standard treatment plan for
type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all
diabetes cases. In this form of diabetes, the body does not use the
insulin it produces. For some patients, excess body weight is part
of the problem. All diabetes patients will be referred to a diabetic
nutritionist to work on a new eating plan.
Today’s treatment for diabetes is far better than the diets of
the past. Gone are the bland foods, the strict rules and zero sugar
requirements. Instead, the meal plans are based on the newly
revamped diabetic food pyramid. Patients are encouraged to eat
healthy foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and more
cereals and starches. Sugar is allowed, as are moderate amounts of
alcohol and even fatty snacks. It’s all about balance and planning.
Almost as important as the foods chosen are the size of the
portions and a meal and snack schedule. While the day should include
a set number of carbohydrates, they should be balanced throughout
the course of the day with each day’s schedule being similar. Not
the choices, of course, but the numbers of carbs, proteins and fats.
Exercise is the next part of the treatment plan. Just adding 30
minutes of moderate exercise 5 days of week will make a difference.
Exercise makes it easier for the cells to absorb and use the
glucose. Adding exercise will also burn calories, contributing to
weight loss.
In any treatment for diabetes, a doctor or health care
professional is going to suggest the patient curtail alcohol use,
but a diagnosis of diabetes does not mean a ban on alcohol.
Moderation is the key. Smokers will be encouraged to quit smoking
completely.
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