Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of blood sugar due to the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin. It is a major public health concern worldwide, with an estimated 463 million people living with diabetes globally, and this number is expected to rise to 700 million by 2045. Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable, and lifestyle medicine offers a powerful approach to reduce the number of new and existing cases.
Lifestyle medicine is a branch of medicine that emphasizes lifestyle interventions, such as diet, exercise, stress management, and other non-drug therapies (see below), to prevent, treat, and manage type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. The approach recognizes that lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, play a significant role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes and many other chronic diseases.
The following are ways that lifestyle medicine can prevent, treat and potentially reverse type 2 diabetes:
Diet: A healthy diet is essential for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. A whole unprocessed diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and prevent obesity. Lifestyle medicine practitioners can work with individuals to help you choose personalized meal plans and provide education on healthy eating habits.
Exercise: Physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle medicine practitioners can help individuals develop exercise plans that are tailored to their needs and preferences, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, or other physical activities.
Stress management: Chronic stress can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance, and other risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle medicine practitioners can teach individuals relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, or music therapy, to reduce stress and improve overall health.
Sleep: Poor sleep quality and duration are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle medicine practitioners can help individuals develop healthy sleep habits, such as establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding electronic devices before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
Tobacco, alcohol and drug use: Smoking ,excessive alcohol consumption, and drug abuse are risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle medicine practitioners can provide support and resources for individuals who want to quit addictions to nicotine and drugs and reduce or eliminate their alcohol intake.
Education and support: Lifestyle medicine practitioners can provide education and support to individuals with type 2 diabetes, including information on blood sugar monitoring, medication management, and self-care practices. They can also provide emotional support to help individuals cope with the challenges of living with a chronic disease.
AHAD Health & Wellness has a Lifestyle Medicine - certified healthcare professional who can offer a (w)holistic approach to preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. By promoting healthy lifestyle habits that fit your particular needs and desires , we can help you with your type 2 diabetes and improve your health and well-being.
Contact us today.
Website: www.ahadhealth.com
Email: drderrickmobley@ahadhealth.com
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