Those who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are usually over 40 years old; many are overweight, and most are living a sedentary lifestyle. Doctors agree that Type 2 diabetes can often be controlled with changes in diet, increased physical activity, and losing weight.

Americans especially eat an atrocious diet that is loaded with unhealthy fat, far too many calories, and not near enough fruit, vegetables, and whole grain foods. We are famous for eating “on the run.” We love our fast food joints. Dinner often consists of a double cheeseburger with a side of fries. We slowly gain weight, and with that weight we put too much demand on our pancreas. It can’t keep up with the need for insulin. We are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Something has to change. As a matter of fact, several things have to change. First let’s talk about diet. There was a time when those who needed to eat a reduced-calorie or reduced-carb diet were mostly left out in the cold by food manufacturers, but that’s changed. There are a lot of very good food choices out there that fit very nicely into a restricted calorie or carb diet — but YOU have to choose those foods.

Talk to a nutritionist. Your doctor will very likely recommend one anyway. Pay attention. Take notes. Follow the advice.

The next change is that the sedentary lifestyle has got to go. You’re going to have to give up being a couch potato. You’re going to have to start a good exercise program — one that you can stay with. Don’t ever start an exercise program without the blessing of your doctor, but doctors will always allow a reasonable amount of exercise based on your overall health.

Change your eating habits. Start exercising. Lose weight. Live long!