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and weight loss can also actually reverse insulin resistance, thereby enabling
more cells to open up and take in glucose. Even a modest weight loss of eight
to ten pounds can help.
Keep in mind that because each person’s body and lifestyle are unique,
each person’s nutritional needs are different. Likewise, each person’s ability
and commitment to exercise varies, so no single diet or exercise plan can be
effective for everyone. You and your doctor should work together to design
your individualized health plan to prevent, postpone, or manage type 2 dia-
betes in your life.
But sometimes diet modifications, weight loss, and exercise are not
enough. When they’re not, a doctor may also have to prescribe medications
that will help stabilize and maintain healthy glucose levels. Some people may
feel a sense of failure if they cannot manage diabetes without insulin shots,
glucose-lowering medications, or oral medications that decrease insulin
resistance. A sense of failure, however, is unwarranted. The goal is to control
one’s blood-sugar level so that one can become healthier, and for some peo-
ple that simply requires medication. Preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes
and its complications depends on it.
Not So Sweet: Diabetes / 41
Text-Dependent Questions:
1. What are the differences between type 1, type
2, and gestational diabetes?
2. Why is type 2 diabetes no longer referred to as
adult-onset diabetes?
3. What are two theories that connect excess weight with
type 2 diabetes?
4. How are genetics connected with diabetes?
5. How can you lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes?