Also known as onset adult diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, non-insulin-dependent diabetes is a form of diabetes mellitus that is typically triggered during the adult years, but does not require the use of insulin injections to manage blood sugar levels responsibly. Individuals who suffer with this form of diabetes can often manage their conditions by maintaining a healthy diet that is low in carbohydrates, learning to manage stress more effectively, and exercising to keep the body within an acceptable weight range. In some instances, oral medication that helps to minimize the impact of blood sugar spikes is also utilized.
People who are diagnosed with non-insulin-dependent diabetes must be concerned with higher concentrations of glucose in the bloodstream. This is in contrast to many patients who take insulin injections in order to avoid blood sugar levels suddenly plummeting, causing the individual to lapse into a diabetic coma. When non-insulin-dependent diabetes is present, the focus is on limiting the consumption of carbohydrates, especially simple carbohydrates like starches or processed sugar, so that the insulin the body does produce can adequately convert the ingested carbs into energy. Doing so minimizes the effect of too much glucose in the blood, a condition that can cause long-term damage to the eyes, the heart, and to just about every other organ in the body.
Diet is one of the most powerful weapons that can be used against non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Since the body does require some carbohydrates to produce energy, people with adult-onset diabetes must pick and choose the sources of those carbohydrates very carefully. A good rule of thumb is to go with foods that offer a wide range of nutrients while supplying complex carbohydrates that are easier for the body to use. Carbohydrates obtained from legumes and other vegetables are often excellent choices, especially when paired with nutrient-rich foods like dark green vegetables and lean meats that tend to be low in carbs but contain significant amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Exercise is also essential for anyone suffering with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. This helps to expend energy, which in turn prompts the body to convert more carbs into energy to meet the demand. Even biking or walking at a brisk pace for a half-hour each day can go a long way toward keeping blood glucose levels within an acceptable range, especially when paired with a low carb diet. In some cases, people are able to use this combination to manage non-insulin-dependent diabetes for years before having to add any type of medication to the regimen. As a result, they are less likely to suffer from heart attacks, deterioration of eyesight, and the loss of sensation in the extremities that is often found with various forms of diabetes.
