DIABETES LINKED TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: WHAT YOUR DOCTOR DOESNT WANT YOU TO KNOW

Can your hometown or should I say your neighborhood determine whether or not you’ll develop type 2 diabetes? Researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, those who lived in a exercise and diet friendly area were 17% less likely to be insulin resistant, which is a precursor to diabetes. Published in the journal Epidemiology, the study focused on three U.S. areas: New York City, Baltimore City and County and Forsyth County in North Carolina. Researchers found that neighborhoods with safe, walkable sidewalks; nearby gyms and parks; and markets offering fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy food positively influenced both health behaviors and morbidity rates. The study supports further efforts to design more health-conscious neighborhoods, especially in low-income, urban areas.

MORE DIABETES FACTS

As you age you are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and if type 2 diabetes runs in your family this increases your risk.

Type 2 diabetes can be treated by adapting a healthy balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and increasing your level of physical activity. Diabetes is harder to control if you are overweight and is often associated with obesity and a lack of exercise. With the help of your doctor you need to set a realistic target date to achieve weight loss. Be careful you do not lose weight too drastically as your blood glucose levels will be all over the place so aim to lose no more than 1kg (2lb) each week.

You may also be advised that you need to take medication and there are different kinds of medicines that are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Some medications work by helping your body produce more insulin and others by helping your body make better use of the insulin produced. Some medications work by slowing down the time at which the body absorbs glucose from the intestine and also slows the liver from releasing its own stores of glucose.

Your doctor may feel that you need to take a combination of medications to control your blood glucose levels in order to tame your diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Treatments
Treatments for type 2 diabetes include the following drugs:

Metformin
Sulphonylureas
Acarbose
Nateglinide and repaglinide
Thiazolidinediones

Diabetes Treatments in Detail

Metformin - This tablet works by reducing the amount of glucose that your liver releases into the bloodstream.

Sulphonylureas - This tablet works by making your body’s cells more sensitive to insulin and increases the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas.

Acarbose - This tablet works by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates from the stomach, this prevents a high peak in your blood glucose levels after eating a meal.

Nateglinide and repaglinide - These tables are used if other medications do not work in controlling your blood glucose levels. They work by stimulating the release of insulin by the pancreas.

Thiazolidinediones - (Why do pharmicists never come up with easy names?). This tablet is used for people who do not respond to other treatments or are unsuitable for other treatments. They work by making the body’s cells more sensitive to insulin so more glucose is taken up from the blood.

Diabetes Testing
If you have been diagnosed with having type 2 diabetes you should always keep a regular check on your blood glucose levels – this can easily be achieved by doing a simple finger prick blood test.

Please note that before taking any medication you should speak to a qualified doctor first.