During Diabetes Awareness Month, Don't Miss These Expert Tips on Coping with and Preventing Type 2 

Do you have a loved one who is facing the struggles of Type 2? Are you a care giver for a patient in home sector care? Do you want to provide the very best home health care for your patient with Type 2?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then read on to learn the causes of Type 2, prevention tips and what to think about when it comes to long-term home care for your Type 2 patient.

There's a lot to learn, so let's get started:

What Are the Causes of Type 2?

What is known as Type 2 is a strain of the condition that most people get in adulthood. Often it is called "adult onset." It differs from Type 1 in that this strain typically is one that you acquire while developing as a baby in the womb. The cause of Type 1 is unknown, although the medical community believes it is due to some form of genetics and environmental factors.

On the other hand, Type 2 is caused by cells that become resistant to insulin. The patient's pancreas cannot make a sufficient amount of insulin to fight back, and sugar remains in high amounts in the body's bloodstream. In this strain, researchers believe that genetics and the environment also are factors, although obesity is also linked to it.

Some of the common symptoms of both strains are:
 

• Increased urination
• Extreme hunger pangs
• Weight loss that cannot be otherwise attributed
• Extreme thirst
• Blurry vision
• Lethargy
• Moodiness
• Sores that heal slowly
• Increased and frequent infections (gum, skin, vaginal)
• Ketones in urine, a byproduct of fat/muscle breakdown in the absence of insulin)

How Can I Prevent Type 2?

If you or a loved one has been told that you are "prediabetes," then it's time to take action. Once you have full-blown Type 2, there is no way to reverse the condition and you put yourself at risk for more complications later in life -- including feet amputation.

Here are five tips for preventing Type 2 that you or your loved one can work on today:

Tip #1: Start Exercising

You can start controlling your blood sugar simply by exercising. That's because exercise helps to strengthen your sensitivity to insulin, which then regulates your blood sugar. In addition, there are so many other benefits to exercising -- including increasing your blood circulation, improving your emotional health and maintaining your weight.

Tip #2: Lose Weight

The more you exercise, the better chances you have for losing weight. Considering being overweight is a factor that makes you susceptible to Type 2, it's important to try to eat a healthy diet and to exercise in order to get your weight under control. Work on an exercise and eating plan that works for you. Start slow and commit to a routine for your future health.

Tip #3: Increase Your Fiber Intake

Adding more fiber to your diet helps to control your blood sugar. It may mean more trips the bathroom, but ultimately, it's worth it. Foods that have a high fiber content that you can start adding to your meal plans immediately include:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Nuts
• Whole grains
• Beans

As a bonus, adding more fiber to your diet can result in lower risk for both Type 2 and heart disease. 

What Are Some of the Ways to Cope?

When you or a loved one is diagnosed with Type 2, it can be shocking and difficult to comprehend. The unfortunate part of the condition is that once you have it, you cannot reverse it.

Here are a few ways to begin coping with your diagnosis and to move forward in as healthy a lifestyle as you can:
 

• Accept your diagnosis and learn everything you can to move forward.
• Rely on others for help: Your caregiver, your doctor, your loved ones
• Develop a diabetes management plan, which may include a meal plan, an exercise schedule and a medication plan
• Record your blood sugar levels every day to keep check on your levels
• Exercise and eat healthy meals
• Avoid all processed sugars and keep natural sugars in check
• Follow up with your doctor regularly or any time you are feeling sick or off

What Should I Be Thinking about Long-term Care for a Loved One with Type 2? 

As Type 2 patients grow older, there is much to consider. Caring for a loved one with Type 2 can be complicated -- as blood sugar levels that drop can result in fainting, weakness, foot complications and more.

If you are thinking about how you will care for a loved one or patient with Type 2, make sure you are doing research on a caring and trusted home care or skilled nursing care place that has staff who are knowledge in Type 2 care.

In particular, as a caregiver long-term, you should be trying to encourage your patient to exercise a little every day -- even if it walking around the house or neighborhood -- and eating balanced meals.

In addition, you're going to want to monitor the condition of the Type 2 patient's feet. Wash the person's feet in lukewarm water every day -- and pat dry gently. Moisturize regularly -- but not in between the toes -- and inspect for sores that are new or are not healing quickly. Foot and leg amputation is a very real part of Type 2, so you'll want to consult with your doctor as soon as you see a blister or sore or other foot condition and especially if the condition is not healing properly.

Don't wait until it is too late when it comes to a Type 2 person's feet. Intervention is necessary, along with proper care and healthy living.

Finally, start saving now for long-term healthcare of a person with Type 2. If they require staying in a nursing home, they will need skilled nursing care. The condition often requires medication later in life as a patient grows older and attention to detail in the exercise and eating lifestyle of the patient.