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Lifestyle Management of Type 2 Diabetes " John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes "

Case study ( 5117 views as of November 20, 2024 )

John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. For several years, his doctor has warned him that he was at high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes due to a strong family history of Type 2 Diabetes, his age and obesity. John is 5 feet 9 inches tall and 220 lbs giving him a body mass index (BMI) of 32.7. John's doctor had encouraged him to lose at least 5% of his body weight (11 lbs) to reduce his risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Although John made some attempts to lose weight, he wasn't very motivated and never lost more than 5 lbs before regaining the weight back.

Today, John is in to see the registered dietitian to learn more about healthy eating to manage his blood glucose and to lose weight. His doctor has given him 3 months to try and manage his blood glucose before starting medications. He has been testing his blood glucose at home occasionally and is frustrated that his numbers are above target because he tells the dietitian he doesn't eat sweets.

After a review of John's diet, the dietitian identifies a few areas that John can focus on to improve his blood glucose. Although John eats an overall balanced diet and limits his intake of sweets and treats, he does have large portions and often drinks fruit juices.

John does not do any regular physical activity at this point in time. He expresses more motivation not than ever before to lose weight as he is afraid of developing the complications of diabetes and wants to know what he should do to improve his blood glucose.

Along with working with the dietitian to modify his diet to help manage his diabetes, John could benefit from consulting with an exercise specialist to add some physical activity to his routine. It is important for John to continue working with his family doctor and endocrinologist to manage his diabetes, and control his health parameters like blood glucose and blood pressure. A pedorthist could help John get fitted with proper shoes as he starts moving more. John could also try speaking with a wellness coach with help him with goal setting and using his newfound motivation to increase his success with his lifestyle efforts.

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Conversation based on: Lifestyle Management of Type 2 Diabetes " John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes "

Lifestyle Management of Type 2 Diabetes " John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes "

  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 15 January 2024
    ypes of Simple Sugars: Definition: Basic forms of sugar. Composition: Monosaccharides (single sugar molecule) or disaccharides (two sugar molecules). Absorption: Directly into the bloodstream. Insulin Response: Trigger: Rise in blood sugar levels. Function of Insulin: Moves sugar from bloodstream to cells for energy. Quick Energy Source: Advantage: Rapid absorption and utilization by the body. Examples of Simple Sugars: Monosaccharides: e.g., Glucose. Disaccharides: e.g., Sucrose (glucose + fructose). Your breakdown effectively captures the main concepts, making it a useful reference for understanding the role and characteristics of simple sugars in the body.
    Reply to: Lifestyle Management of Type 2 Diabetes " John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes "
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 14 January 2024
    Like their close relatives, chili peppers, bell peppers are sometimes dried and powdered. In that case, they are referred to as paprika. They are low in calories and exceptionally rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Bell peppers come in various colors, such as red, yellow, orange, and green — which are unripe.
    Reply to: Lifestyle Management of Type 2 Diabetes " John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes "
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 12 January 2024
    They are a major and dense source of food energy for many animals and play important structural and metabolic functions, in most living beings, including energy storage, waterproofing, and thermal insulation. The human body can produce the fat that it needs from other food ingredients, except for a few essential fatty acids that must be included in the diet. Dietary fats are also the carriers of some flavor and aroma ingredients and vitamins that are not water-soluble.
    Reply to: Lifestyle Management of Type 2 Diabetes " John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes "
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 09 January 2024
    Vitamins: Cucumbers are a good source of several vitamins, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health, while vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function. Vitamin A is beneficial for vision and skin health. Minerals: Cucumbers contain minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Potassium is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and proper muscle function. Magnesium is involved in various biochemical reactions in the body, and manganese supports metabolism and bone health. Fiber: Cucumbers also provide a small amount of dietary fiber. While the overall fiber content is relatively low, consuming fiber-rich foods can contribute to digestive health and help maintain regular bowel movements. Antioxidants: Cucumbers contain certain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants have been associated with potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and promoting heart health. Hydration: As cucumbers are composed of about 95% water, they can help contribute to hydration. Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and supports various bodily functions. Although cucumbers may not be as nutrient-dense as some other vegetables, they can still be a refreshing addition to a balanced diet. They are often used in salads, sandwiches, and as a healthy snack option. Additionally, their high water content can be beneficial for maintaining hydration levels.
    Reply to: Lifestyle Management of Type 2 Diabetes " John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes "
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 09 January 2024
    Vitamin B12 is naturally present in animal-derived foods such as meat (especially organ meats like liver), fish, dairy products, eggs, and poultry. Some fortified plant-based foods, like breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast, also contain added vitamin B12. However, it is generally found in higher amounts in animal-based sources. For individuals who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet and do not consume animal products, obtaining sufficient vitamin B12 can be challenging. In such cases, it may be necessary to consider supplementation or fortified foods to meet the recommended daily intake. Vitamin B12 supplements are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and injections. It is often taken in combination with other B vitamins, as they work synergistically and support overall health and well-being. If you have any specific questions about vitamin B12 or its role in the body, feel free to ask!
    Reply to: Lifestyle Management of Type 2 Diabetes " John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes "
  • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
    Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC 28 June 2023
    Ensuring proper injection technique is crucial for individuals with diabetes to achieve optimal blood glucose control. It is important to rotate injection sites regularly, target subcutaneous tissue instead of muscle, use an appropriate needle length, and use a new needle for each injection. Recent research has shown that poor injection technique can negatively impact blood glucose control, so it is essential to focus on proper injection practices rather than blaming the insulin itself. Injecting into unhealthy or overused sites, such as fatty areas or muscle tissue, can lead to absorption issues and affect diabetes management. If you are having difficulty controlling your diabetes and notice no improvement despite other efforts, it is a good idea to consult your healthcare professional about your injection technique. They can assess whether you are injecting properly, such as avoiding areas with scar tissue or ensuring injection into the fatty layer under the skin. You can also check for lumps or bumps, which may indicate the presence of fatty scar tissue. If you are injecting into an area with minimal fatty tissue, gently lifting the skin or adjusting the needle angle can help ensure proper injection into the fatty layer. If you have concerns about your injection technique, it is recommended to reach out to your diabetes health team. This team may include your primary care provider (such as a family doctor or nurse practitioner), a diabetes educator, pharmacist, or dietitian. Asking questions and seeking guidance from these professionals will help you better understand and improve your injection technique.
    Reply to: Lifestyle Management of Type 2 Diabetes " John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes "
  • K. Michael
    K. Michael 09 March 2016
    @Michelle Kaarto I agree that the diabetes clinic's help was invaluable. One area that I think could be improved on is better explanations to patients about lifestyle changes that are required. That a lifestyle change doesn't mean you can never have ice cream or wine again.
    Reply to: Lifestyle Management of Type 2 Diabetes " John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes "
  • K. Michael
    K. Michael 05 December 2015
    Walking is a great way to introduce exercise in to your life. And good supportive shoes are essential to any workout plan. Making small permanent changes will help John get on the path to a healthier life and reduce his risk of diabetes
    Reply to: Lifestyle Management of Type 2 Diabetes " John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes "
  • Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP
    Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP 23 November 2015
    I can imagine how tough it would be for John to process a new diabetes diagnosis and see all the changes that he should be making laid out in front of him. Talking to a life coach or wellness coach might help him identify some small steps to help make the most important changes first.
    Reply to: Lifestyle Management of Type 2 Diabetes " John is 55-years-old and was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes "
    • Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP
      Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP 18 January 2016
      A lot of diabetes clinics now have integrated health teams in place to help patients manage their diabetes. Nurses, dietitian, and exercise specialists can all support your physician's management plan, and can be more easily accessible to patients in a busy clinic. The lifestyle measures are so important in managing Type 2 Diabetes, and it is valuable to educate patients so they don't rely solely on their medication plan to control their diabetes.
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 13 January 2016
      When my father was diagnosed with diabetes he found the lifestyle changes required very difficult. Visits to the diabetes clinic helped him to understand what exactly he had to change

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