Your Guidebook for Living with Type 2 Diabetes

Your doctor just diagnosed you with Type 2 diabetes. Those three words mean your world is about to drastically change. You’re going to face some health challenges you’ve never anticipated. You may be in shock, or perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed.

We don’t want you to worry. We’ll provide all the guidance and tools you need to meet this challenge and move forward to living a healthier life. As internal medicine doctors in Raleigh, we have a keen understanding of how Type 2 diabetes can affect every system in your body.

In fact, we specialize in treating those with diabetes.

We’ve provided this handy guidebook for those living with Type 2 diabetes.

An Important Guide for those With Type 2 Diabetes

MEET WITH YOUR INTERNAL MEDICINE DOCTOR REGULARLY

Everyone is different. How often you’ll need to see us depends upon how well your Type 2 diabetes is managed. One thing is certain: We want to keep abreast of how you’re doing and if your insulin and/or medication is working for you.

This is vital because we want to be sure you can avoid the complications associated with Type 2 diabetes—vision problems, kidney damage and heart disease, to name a few.

GET REGULAR EXERCISE

It’s okay if you’re not a natural athlete. Getting in shape can be as simple as a 30-minute walk every day. The main issue is to get moving if you’re not already. Often, the solution is as simple as merely getting started.

Exercise goes a long way toward helping your body use insulin more effectively. It also reduces your risk of diseases such as high cholesterol and heart disease.

KEEP A FOOD JOURNAL

Writing down what you eat can help you keep track of things and assist you in eliminating unhealthy habits. We also find it very useful so we’ll be able to help you make the best choices possible.

We’re fortunate to have the services of Nicole Matala, our registered dietitian. She’s helped our patients on their journey to a healthier life, and she would love the opportunity to help you.

We’ve also got a lot of healthy advice on what foods are great for those with Type 2 diabetes.

Schedule an appointment with her and work closely together to reduce your chances of complications from diabetes.

FIND SUPPORT

Of course, we’re always here to help and support you, but it’s also a good idea to glean support from family members and friends. Perhaps you even know someone with Type 2 diabetes. The journey is always easier when taken together.

CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR REGULARLY

You can’t tell if your plan is working if you’re not regularly checking your blood sugar according to your doctor’s recommendations. This can help you avoid dangerous highs and lows.

It also helps us better serve you—be sure you keep track of your sugar levels or get a monitor that accurately records several weeks worth of them.

You’ll also find our previous blog article “When Should You Check Your Blood Sugar” very informative and helpful.

TAKE YOUR MEDICATION AS PRESCRIBED

This one seems obvious, but in the business of everyday life, it’s far too easy to neglect your medication. Remember, we prescribe this to you in order to help you avoid serious complications from your diabetes.

If you’re concerned about your medication, or if you have any questions, please contact us. As your internal medicine doctors, we place your needs, and your health, at the top of our priority list.

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed?

We go into this topic in a little more detail in our earlier article.

The short answer?

Research is ongoing.

Despite what you may have seen on television or the internet, the answer is actually not that simple.

There are certain conditions, such as prediabetes or gestational diabetes, that may be “reversed” through treatment and lifestyle changes.

However, currently, there is no consistent evidence that Type 2 diabetes can be reversed.

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Cured?

We’re hoping that one day researchers will come up with a cure.

But for now, the answer is no, Type 2 diabetes cannot be cured.

Once you are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it’s important to realize there is no cure. However, it can be effectively managed.

Learn More About Living With Diabetes

We believe it’s important for our patients to have the information they need to make healthy choices. That’s why we’re not only partners in your care, but we’ve provided an extensive library of articles that answer the most common questions we receive about diabetes.

It’s also important to remember that many people may have diabetes and not even realize it.

That’s why we encourage you to schedule regular appointments where we can complete bloodwork to determine if you need insulin or manage prediabetes before it turns into Type 2 diabetes.

Scheduling an appointment is easy. Just contact us today.