Originally published January 31 2006
Old habits must change for those diagnosed with diabetes
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Herald Mail Online takes a look at how senior citizens are waging their fight against diabetes with changes to their lifestyle.
With titles like "Type 2 Diabetes," "Beating Diabetes," and "Conquering Diabetes," it's clear Smith is going to battle against his diabetes diagnosis.
Since May, Smith, 72, who lives east of Hagers-town, has been retooling his lifestyle to incorporate better eating habits and more exercise - all in an effort to control his diabetic condition.
The result so far has been a weight loss of 28 pounds.
But perhaps more importantly, Smith's blood test results have consistently improved, showing that he is getting his blood sugar levels under control.
The weight loss has been easier than Smith expected, although he admits there are challenges.
Still, he says, he has no choice but to be committed to pursuing a more healthy lifestyle, watching what he eats and exercising on an almost daily basis.
"I've learned since I started to read my blood glucose levels, if I eat a heavy meal and then spend some time on the treadmill, I can drop my blood glucose right down," Smith says.
That's because exercise is a vital tool for diabetic patients and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
"You are using energy up when you are exercising," explains Lisa McCoy, a registered dietitian with the Washington County Health Department.
That means extra energy in the form of glucose builds up in the blood stream, causing cells to be starved for energy, according to information from the American Diabetes Association.
While his diagnosis cannot be reversed, he is part of a Washington County Health Department class that is trying to prevent diabetes for people diagnosed with prediabetes.
Hurd was not diagnosed with prediabetes, but she was faced with an extensive family history that pointed in that direction.
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