Session 24 ***Day 211
Great questions—understanding type 2 diabetes and how it differs from type 1 is key to managing or preventing it. Here’s a clear breakdown:
💉 What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body doesn’t use insulin properly (insulin resistance) and/or doesn’t make enough insulin to keep blood sugar (glucose) levels normal.
- Insulin is the hormone that helps sugar from the food you eat move into your cells to be used for energy.
- Without enough effective insulin, sugar builds up in your blood, which can damage organs over time.
🔍 Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes
| Feature | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Autoimmune (body attacks insulin-producing cells) | Insulin resistance & poor insulin production |
| Age of Onset | Usually in childhood or adolescence | Usually in adulthood, but rising in youth too |
| Insulin Needed? | Yes, for life | Maybe—not always needed early on |
| Preventable? | No | Yes—through lifestyle changes |
| Reversible? | No | Often manageable or reversible with effort |
🧬 How Do You Get Type 2 Diabetes?
It develops over time, often due to a mix of lifestyle and genetic factors. Some key risk factors include:
- 🏃♂️ Lack of physical activity
- 🍩 Poor diet (high sugar, processed foods, refined carbs)
- 🧁 Excess weight, especially around the belly
- 🧬 Family history of diabetes
- 🧓 Being over 45 years old (though it’s rising in younger people)
- 🩺 Having prediabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
✅ Can You Get Rid of Type 2 Diabetes?
You can’t always “cure” it completely, but many people reverse it or put it into remission, especially if caught early. Here’s how:
🔥 Steps to Reverse or Control Type 2 Diabetes:
- Lose Weight (Even 5-10% Helps)
- Shrinks fat cells, especially around the liver and pancreas, improving insulin sensitivity.
- Eat Smart
- Low-carb, high-fiber, plant-based, or Mediterranean-style diets work well.
- Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks and processed foods.
- Be Physically Active
- Aim for at least 150 minutes/week of moderate activity (like brisk walking, dancing, or swimming).
- Add strength training 2x/week.
- Monitor Blood Sugar
- Keep track to understand how food and activity affect your body.
- Take Medications if Prescribed
- In early stages, lifestyle changes might eliminate the need for meds.
- Stay Consistent with Sleep & Stress Management
- Poor sleep and chronic stress can spike blood sugar.
💡 Motivation Tip:
Think of it this way: You have the power to change your future. Type 2 diabetes is often preventable and sometimes reversible—with effort, consistency, and support.
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