Diabetes Control Not by Food Alone

Don't Delay Glucose-Lowering Meds: No one likes to pile on more pills, and it would be nice to think you could control your blood sugar just by adjusting your food choices. But research now shows that when people with type 2 are diagnosed, they have less than half of their insulin-making pancreatic beta cells pumping out insulin. Also, insulin resistance -- the hallmark of pre-diabetes and type 2 -- is making it tough for the body to use your dwindling insulin supply.

"For these reasons, along with the availability of more type 2 medications that zero in either on insulin resistance or post meal high blood glucose, there's consensus from the American Diabetes Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists that most people need to start taking a blood glucose-lowering medication when type 2 diabetes is diagnosed," says Theresa Garnero, APRN, CDE.

Don't play the waiting game while your glucose levels remain high and you limit foods containing healthful curbs. Get and keep your blood glucose under control by working with your health care provider to progress your glucose-lowering meds as needed to achieve your target goals, Garners says.

Get and Stay Active: One of the most powerful antidotes for insulin resistance is exercise. Regular exercise paired with healthful eating can quickly improve insulin sensitivity. This change causes a host of health benefits, from lowering blood sugar and blood pressure to improving lipids. Cathy Rogers, PWD type 2, discovered this effect rather dramatically when she began working up a good sweat on the elliptical and using free weights. Her blood sugar numbers are down, along with her weight. Beyond exercise, she's cut down her portions and resists most sweets.

Finding motivation and making time for exercise are the biggest hurdles. Angela Gin, R.D., CDE, suggests you plan ahead, have a destination, and get into a regular exercise routine. Choose from a variety of exercises that you enjoy. Make exercise a family affair, or take to the walking path or swimming pool with a friend. Remember: Walking for just 30 minutes most days is what do recommended and the easiest exercise for most people to fit in.

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