Question about Type II Diabetes?

I just found out that a close family member has type II diabetes. He said that right now it is very mild (only slightly above normal) and that it is treatable. I just want to know what I can do to help him? Is this something that can be very serious? I'm very worried about him, and I want to help.

All diabetes is treatable, but it can all be dangerous if you don't keep it under control. Make sure you aren't nagging him about his habits and diet all the time, many people think they are supporting another person, but are going way overboard. Give your support to this person by not tempting him with foods he can't eat, like high carb foods, or desserts and sweets. Encourage daily exercise by inviting him to go for walks each day.He should test his blood sugar in the morning, before and after each meal, and bedtime. He should see his doctor at least every 3 to 4 months and take all medications as directed. If he has problems getting his blood sugars down to where they should be, or has frequent bouts of low blood sugar, he should see his doctor, his medications could need changed or adjusted. Yes, diabetes can be very serious, both type one and two. It can be hard for some people to control it, and others (type 2) can control with diet and exercise sometimes. If not controlled it can lead to heart attack, heart disease, artery disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and amputations, just to mention a few. Have him sign up (you could go with him) to some diabetes educational classes. The more you know about the disease, the easier it is to control it. Have him get a dietitian or a nutritionist to help him learn about carbs and how they effect the body and blood sugar and to plan meals.

Apricot Lover is giving extremely bad advice. Type 2 is every bit as dangerous as type one and should keep her opinions to herself unless she gets some education.

Do not mind his diet and exercise habits for him!! That will only cause him to ignore both his diet and exercise and you!!

Yes, it can be serious and it can cause severe problems later. For now, he should get a couple of books, you can find them on eBay for very little: Type 2 Diabetes: The First Year by Gretchen Baker and/or Atkins Diabetes Revolution. These will anwer all of your questions and a lot neither of you have thought of yet.

You can get South Beach Living or Atkins Diet books and CookBooks and choose foods from the phase 2 lists and be really good. As his relative, you also are subject to type 2 diabetes so if you change your food plan accordingly you may be able to postpone the condition for a long while.

Exercise is the key to good glucose control. Just walking an hour every day as fast as one can will be good. Don't worry about the milage, just clock it. After a while the milage adds because you are both able to go further in the hour.

First of all, I want to address some of the bad information that Apricot has given you. Type 2 diabetes is not something that you brush off like she has. It is a very serious disease and can have all the consequenses that diabetes type one can have. Type 2 does NOT turn into type 1, although type 2's can require insulin, but diabetes does not change types. There are more type 2 diabetics that have kidney disease and other problems than type ones.
Ok, give this person your support when he needs it, he may get depressed or even go through denial. If you cook for him, make sure the things you cook are low in carbs. Even if he just has borderline diabetes, or Pre diabetes (we do not believe in this term where I work) it can potentially be dangerous if not controlled. Yes, it is his job to watch his diet and get some exercise, but all of us need support at times for lots of different things He can control his disease, with proper diet and medication (if he has to take it). I would definately recommend signing up for some classes. And just for the record, we do no recommend the Atkins Diet and have not for several years. South Beach is ok.

Diabetes is very serious. The best thing that you can do is support your family member, GET EDUCATED, and try to help that person exercise. But don't nag. I hate when one of my friends tells me "dont eat that your sugars will sky rocket", when usually I am eating something sugary to raise the sugars.

One of the best things you can do is learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of hyper/hypoglycemia. Ask your friend if he has experienced these before and if he has, ask him to tell you about it. These signs and symptoms tend to show up more when a person is getting sick (ie coming down with a cold and whatnot) or when they are stressed.

It sounds like his is fairly manageable without medications. The right foods can help bring the sugars up a bit, and a little exercise can bring them down.

Diabetes is very serious. If left untreated then your other organs will be effected over time. To help your friend, be supportive. Read about diabetes on the Internet. Help each other to learn all there is. Best of luck!

Avoid sugar and high amounts of carbohydrates. Eat balanced meals with whole grains at regular times. Losing weight helps control diabetes.

Help him watch his diet and get more exercise. Good luck!

Type two diabetes means his blood sugar runs just a little high. Nothing to worry about if he takes care of himself. A good diet and regular exercise, thus maintaining a good weight will keep it to a minimum.

You can encourage him to eat right and exercise if he's not doing that already, but other than that, HE has to be the one to take care of himself.

It can and will turn into Type 1 diabetes, thus needing insulin, if he doesn't take care of himself. That can cause your organs to fail. It's quite common for Type 1 diabetics to have renal kidney failure and go on dialysis if they don't take care of themselves.

If it's not serious then you shouldn't worry about it, you could make him some baked goods that are diabetic friendly.