Did You Know? Intensive Lifestyle Intervention For Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a life-long disease that affects the way the body perceives and handles glucose. In a flawless system, the pancreas releases insulin to help the body store and use sugar and fat from our daily meals. However, diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces little or no insulin, or when the body does not respond appropriately to insulin, as is the case for people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). At the moment, there is no cure for diabetes, but, there are medications to help patients manage this diseases for as long as they can. No one wants to be diagnosed with diabetes — in which ever type it comes — but the truth is, some times it is not entirely up to you. Apart from the more popular culprit, obesity, scientists have discovered bits of DNA that affect how the body makes and manages insulin. Other causes of diabetes include, metabolic syndrome (in people with insulin resistance), high glucose in liver, issues at a cellular level (which can be, either, bad communication between the cells or broken beta cells).

Intensive Lifestyle Intervention

“Lifestyle interventions aimed at promoting long-term weight loss and increased physical activity are recommended for overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. ” — Espeland et al

While all this may sound like a whole lot, it is imperative to know that diabetes is not at all the end of the world, as medical experts are working tirelessly to improve medications for diabetes, and hopefully one day find a cure. That said, along with recommended medications, patients with T2D have a better shot at enjoying life with Intensive Lifestyle Intervention (ILI). According to the Unites States Library of Medicine – National Institute of Health, a number of significant  and long-term improvements were recorded for patients with T2D who incorporated ILI, including body weight, physical fitness, and physical function, glucose control and quality-of-life. It is in-fact proven and true that strong medications could have adverse effects on patients after a while, but, this is a price many have had to pay and live with for their health’s sake. From the tests conducted by the USLM-NIH, ILI may be the only option for T2D patients wanting to minimize medication intensification. Regular workouts can help lower your blood pressure, boost your heart health, lower your blood sugar and also help the body manage insulin better. From taking a brisk walk, to swimming and even enrolling in a dance class, any exercise that helps improve body motion rightly is good for you. However, do not over do it, time yourself and try not to exercise til you run out of breath. Take it a step at a time, especially if you haven’t had a workout session in a very long time.