This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Community Update

When you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes it is a very difficult diagnosis to accept.

Learning about your diabetes is the first step toward feeling better and living a longer, healthier life.

Let’s first find out what is Type 2 Diabetes.


What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

When you eat, your food is broken down into a sugar called glucose. Glucose gives your

body the energy it needs to work. But to use glucose as energy, your body needs insulin.

When you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make enough insulin or use it well.

Since your body’s cells can’t use the glucose from your food as energy, the glucose stays in

your blood, where it can cause serious problems.

There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed. Balancing the food you eat with

exercise and medicine (if prescribed) can keep your blood glucose in a healthy range.

Many

people with diabetes live long and healthful lives. Keeping your glucose levels close to the target ranges, will improve your quality of life, as well as, help prevent some of the complications associated with diabetes.

The diagnosis of diabetes should not prevent you from enjoying events such as vacations, however, you will need to make proper preparations and good planning. The American Diabetes Association has a good article on things to take into consideration when you travel. This is their link

http://forecast.diabetes.org/travel-jun2013I

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from University Place